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BOROUGH OF TORQUAY.

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

Medical Officer of Health

FOR THE YEAR 1927,

THOMAS DUNLOP, m.b., c.m., d.p.h.

TOGETHER WITH SUMMARY OF

Reports of the Sanitary Inspectors

AND

Meteorological Observer.

I/'' PRINTERS * flOOHftMDEat, 'Na

K THE TORQUAY PUBLIAKJWC VP ))
- rw STPtET. tctwuay. y\

BOROUGH OF TORQUAY.

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

Medical Officer of Health

FOR THE YEAR 1927 ,

THOMAS DUNLOP, m.b„ c.m„ d.p.h.

TOGETHER WITH SUMMARY OF

Reports of tbe Sanitary Inspectors

AND

Meteorological Observer.

INDEX.

Introduction
Statistical Summary
Population and Physical Features
Climate . .

Meteorology

Medical Baths

Vital Statistics— Death Rate

Birth Rate
Infant Mortality
Maternity and Child Welfare
Health Visitor’s Report
Infant Welfare Centres
Summary of Nursing Arrangements ;

Infectious Diseases

Hospitals and other Institutions available for
Bacteriological Examinations
Ambulance Facilities
Disinfection

Small-Pox and Vaccination
Enteric Fever and Scarlet Fever

tht

District

Diphtheria
Tuberculosis
Cancer

Venereal Disease
Water Supply
Sewerage

Collection and Disposal of House Refuse
The Staff
Food

Public Health (Meat) Regulations and Slaughter-Houses
Milk Supply
Ice Cream

Milk and Cream Regulations, 1912 and 1917, Sale of Food an
Drugs Act

Other Foods . .

Contagious Diseases (Animals) Acts
Insect Pest Acts
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act
Sanitary Certificates ..

Sanitary Inspection of the District
Port Sanitary Inspection
Factories and Workshops
Public Health (Smoke Abatement), 1927
Theatres, etc.

Local and Adoptive Acts in Force in the Borough
Housing Statistics

Tables— I. Vital Statistics of Area during 1927 and previous years

II. Cases notified during 1927

III. Causes of, and Ages at Death during 1927 .

Notes to Table III. ..

IV. Infant Mortality during 1927

Meteorological Report
Meteorological Abstract, 1927 ..

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102

To His Worship the Mayor , Aldermen and Councillors of

the Borough of Torquay.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honour to present to you my Annual Report
on the Sanitary circumstances of the Borough and the Health
of the inhabitants during the year 1927.

The form of the Report is similar to that of previous
years and contains a full record of the various activities which
have a bearing on the health of the community. Although
nothing of exceptional importance has occurred many matters
have received attention which will ultimately prove of much
benefit to the Borough.

Under Maternity and Child Welfare we record the change
of the St. Marychurch and Babbacombe Centre to the
commodious Parish and Memorial Hall, necessitated by the
increased numbers attending here. This centre caters for a
large number of parents residing in the Council’s Housing
Estates at Westhill and Hele. In view of the great importance
of the work and if the numbers there continue to increase it
may be necessary to consider the advisability of opening
another Centre. Facilities for ante-natal work are not yet
such as we desire, and I trust I may be able to record in the
near future that the New Torbay Hospital will cater both for
this and also provide accommodation for normal maternity
cases. In view of the continued prevalence of Small-pox
throughout the Country and the menace of its introduction by
visitors it is satisfactory to know that definite arrangements
have been made with the County Council Authorities for the
reception of any cases that may occur here.

In view of the extension of the Borough in the Cocking-
ton and Shiphay area and the provision of sewerage, it will be
possible to provide efficient drainage at the Isolation Hospital.
ATour Committee having decided on the provision of new
administrative and ward accommodation, the plans are now
in course of preparation. This also provides for the re¬
modelling of the other sanitary arrangements. Another vast
improvement will be the installation of electric light.

The reconstruction of the Refuse Destructor is now well
in hand, this, when completed, in conjunction with the
amended scheme of the Borough Surveyor for the collection
of house refuse will do away with even temporary tipping,
which is a menace to health on account of flies and rats.

The acquisition of powers to take an additional supply of
water from the South Teign should render the district
supplied free from all menace of shortage, even in the driest
seasons.

Progress with the clearance of the Pimlico Insanitary
Area has been slow, but as arbitration is at the time of writing
to be held concerning certain properties necessary for the
scheme, but not in themselves insanitary, the end is now in
sight. The Council have made good progress with their
Housing Scheme, 195 houses being completed and occupied.
The total Council Houses erected to date is 381, in spite of
this number there are still many applications from necessitous
cases.

I have to thank my colleagues and members of the
department for their assistance and hearty co-operation.

I have also to express my appreciation of the cordial
support afforded to me by the Council, and especially by the
Members of the Public Health Committee.

I am: Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your obedient Servant,

THOMAS DUNLOP.

BOROUGH OF TORQUAY

STATISTICAL SUMMARY

Area of the Borough, 3,996 acres.

Assessable value, £243,847.

Population — Census (1941), 38,772.

„ „ (1921), 39,432.

,, Register-General’s Estimate for Statistical Pur¬

poses for 1927, 37,400.

Number of separate occupiers — Census (1921), 8,882.

Density of population, 10'2 persons per acre.

Corrected death rate (1927), 16‘2 per 1,000. Average for
previous five years, 15 ’6 per 1,000.

Corrected for age and sex distribution, 11’8 per 1,000.

Birth rate, 15‘2 per 1,000. Average for previous five years,
14-4 per 1,000.

Infantile mortality (1927), 50. Average for previous five
years, 55.

Death rate from zymotic disease, ‘28 per 1,000.

Mean annual temperature, 51‘8.

Hours of bright sunshine recorded, 1650'4.

Total rainfall, 36'57 inches.

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BOROUGH OF TORQUAY.

The area of the Borough is 3,996 acres.

Population.

The population recorded at the 1921 census was 39,432.
Assuming the inter-censal increase to have continued, the
estimated population at the middle of 1927 would have been
41,357. As many of the new houses which have been built
have been purchased and occupied by families coming here
from outside areas the population must be considerably higher.

For statistical purposes, the Registrar-General furnishes
an estimated residential population equal this year to 37,400
and this figure has been used in the calculation of all birth and
death rates.

At the 1921 census there were 7,758 inhabited houses, and
the number of families or separate occupiers was 8,882.

The rateable value on 31st March, 1928, was £260,288,
and the sum represented by a penny rate for year 1927-28
was approximately £1,008.

Physical Features and General Character

oe the District.

The town is situated on a promontory, being practically
surrounded by the sea on three sides. This promontory is
formed by hilly ridges, running N.E. and S.W. The principal
heights — the Warberry Hill, 448 feet, and the Lincombe Hill,
372 feet — are composed of Lower Devonian grits and slates.
The lesser heights, such as the Braddons, Waldon Hill, and
Chapel Hill, are formed of Middle Devonian Limestone, which
rests above the grits and slates mentioned.

On each side of this central area, viz., at St. Mary-Church
and Chelston, rocks higher in the geological scale for the most
part prevail. These rocks belong to the Permian formation,
and consist of beds of Breccia — a kind of conglomerate — and
sand stone of a deep red colour.

There is very little clay in any portion of the area, and
what does occur is of the nature of marl, and is confined to the
lower levels of certain valleys or depressions, so that rain is not
detained on the surface, as it rapidly disappears through these
rather pervious rocks and soils.

It is on the sides of these hills or ridges that mcst of the
houses are built, the main roads and streets following the
lines of the valleys. Thus the largest portion of the district
is afforded protection from the cold winds of the North and
East, a fact that is strikingly proved by the luxuriant growth
of semi-tropical shrubs and plants in both public and private
gardens.

Torquay is essentially a residential town and health
resort ; consequently a large proportion of its inhabitants are
villa residents, while the remaining portion may be said to
obtain a livelihood by catering for them. There are numerous
large hotels and many up-to-date boarding houses for the
accommodation of visitors. There are no manufactories in the
district.

During the summer and early autumn there is a very
large influx of visitors, who are catered for by the inhabitants
of the smaller houses.

CLIMATE.

The position of the town, built as it is on a promontory,
surrounded on twTo sides by the sea, accounts to some extent
for the mild and equable temperature experienced during
winter. The meteorological records show that we enjoy a
large proportion of sunshine at this period of the year. There
is also an almost complete absence of fog.

The benefit of living under such climatic conditions must
be apparent to all, but it is inestimable to those who are
asthmatical or who are sufferers from chronic bronchitis. To
the aged and infirm, who are extremely sensitive to every
change of temperature, life under such conditions is prolonged
and made worth living.

The bright sunshine and the possibility of being constantly
in the open air, is most advantageous to children, and those
who are delicate have every chance of growing up strong and
healthy.

The Summer Climate.

It is now an established fact that Torquay has become a
most popular holiday resort, and during the season the
population more than doubles itself.

It is unquestionable that, during the hottest days, the
maximum temperature here is five to ten degrees lower than
that recorded in London and the Midlands. It stands to reason,
if one considers the position of Torquay, flanked by the sea and
with Dartmoor in the rear, it is constantly fanned by cool
breezes from one or other directions. It seems difficult to
imagine a more delightful spot to spend a holiday in. Boating,
bathing and fishing of the best, whilst in the neighbourhood
are innumerable places of beauty and interest, which are easily
accessible by sea, coach or rail.

METEOROLOGY.

Bull details of the Meteorology of the Borough will be seen
m the appended Annual Report of the Borough Meteorologist,
but the following resume of the climatic conditions mav be of

o t J

interest

1923

1924

1925

1926

1927

Highest Maximum Temperature

.. 87-0

75*2

86*0

820

75*2

Lowest Minimum ,,

. . 281

27*0

26 6

26*5

Mean Maximum ,,

.. 57*7

566

57*2

57*8

57*0

Mean Minimum ,,

. . 46*3

46*5

46*4

47*0

46*7

Mean of Maximum and Minimum

.. 52 0

51*5

51*8

52*4

51*8

Difference from Average . .

.. +0*7

+ 0*4

+0*2

+ L5

+ 2*73

Number of days on which rain fell

.. 188

192

165

171

200

Total fall in inches

.. 31*47

43*92

38*83

31*64

36*57

Number of Hours of Bright Sunshine 1827*59

1633*16

1822*02

1699*47

1650*4

MEDICAL

BATHS.

Within recent years

the value of “

Spa Treatment

lias

become more fully recognised, and the results of this form of
treatment are exceedingly good in suitable cases, and especially
when it can be taken where climatic conditions are propitious.

Torquay has a climate, both in summer and winter,
which offers many advantages for invalids and others, and it
also possesses an Establishment where all modern British and
Continental methods of Spa treatment are available. It is in
the unique position of being the only British Marine Health
Resort with a complete equipment for Spa treatment.

Here it is possible for invalids to have their course of
treatment without the risks inseperable from a Northern
winter or the fatigue of a tedious Continental journey.

The Medical Baths at Beacon Hill are modern. All
forms of baths, douches, packs, electricity, light treatments —
also Plombieres treatment — are administered by a highly
skilled staff.

The dressing rooms are comfortably heated, furnished
and equipped. There is plenty of light and every room in the
building is well ventilated and kept scrupulously clean.
There is also a large tepid sea water swimming bath.

No expense has been spared to ensure absolute comfort
for the weakest invalid or for those who undergo treatment
to keep fit and well. There is a lofty and well furnished
cooling lounge where light refreshments can be obtained, and
the view of Torbay from its windows cannot be surpassed.
It is without doubt one of the finest cooling lounges in the
kingdom.

VITAL STATISTICS.

Deaths.

The total deaths registered in 1927 was 603, of whom 82
were non-residents, and whose deaths were transferable to their
own sanitary areas, whilst the deaths of 88 residents dying
outside the Borough have to be added. The net total is there¬
fore 609, of whom 293 were males and 316 females.

The death rate is equal to 16'2 per 1,000, compared with
14'4 in 1926. The average rate for the previous five years was
15*6. The death rate for England and Wales in 1927 was 12'3,
and that for the 155 smaller towns 11 ‘3. As the age and sex
distribution of Torquay differs widely from that of the country
as a whole, it is necessary to use a factor to remove this
inequality. The factor furnished by the Registrar-General is
'734, by which our rates must be multiplied. This gives a
death rate equal to 11 '8 per 1,000 per annum.

Of the 609 deaths

Percentage of
Total Deaths

were under 1 year of age

equals

4-8

were 1 year and under 2 years ...

... > j

were 2 years and under 5 years ...

• • M

were 5 years and under 15 years

... y y

were 15 years and under 20 years

... M

2 2

were 20 years and under 45 years

... J *

8*3

137

were 45 years and under 65 years

... M

22*5

356

were 65 years and over

... y y

58 5

609

at all ages

100*0

It will thus be seen that 356, or 58.5 per cent., were
persons aged 65 and upwards.

There were 21 inquests ; and 9 uncertified deaths were
recorded.

Ward Distribution.

Ward.

Deaths at all
ages.

Under 1 year.

Torre

Waldon

Upton

Ellacorabe

110

Strand

Torwood

St. Mary-Church . .

Babbacorabe

Chelston

Totals

609

Death from Zymotic Diseases.

The zymotic death rate is calculated from the seven
principal zymotic diseases. The following table enumerates
them and the number of deaths recorded from each : —

Small-pox . . . . . . . . 0

Measles . . . . . . . . 0

Whooping Cough . . . . . . 6

Scarlet Fever .. .. .. 1

Diphtheria . . . . . . . . 2

| Typhus . . . . . . 0

Fevers - Enteric .. .. .. 0

f Continued . . . . . . 0

Diarrhoea . . . . . . . 2

The zymotic death rate is therefore equal to ’28 per 1,000,
against T3 per 1,000 in 1926.

Births.

The total number of births registered was 570 — males 293,
females 277. Of these 30, or 5 per cent., were illegitimate : —

Males

Females

Illegitimate

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Totals

295

277

Twenty-three still births were notified, and the conditions
investigated in most cases.

Ward Distribution.

Males

Females

Illegitimate

Torre

Wald on ...

Upton

4 '

Ellacombe

Strand ...

Tor wood...

St. Mary -Church ...

Babbacombe

Chelston

Totals

293

277

The birth rate for the Borough is equal to 15 '2 per 1,000
per annum, against 13' 7 in 1926. It is the highest rate
since 1921. The average of the previous five years was 14'4.
The rate for England and Wales in 1927 was 16 ‘7 and for the
155 small towns 16’4.

In comparing our birth rate with that of the country as a
whole or those of other districts, the age sex constitution of the
population must be borne 'in mind. In Torquay we have a high
proportion of females to males (1,474 females per 1,000 males),
and of the female population some 40 to 50 per cent, are
spinsters and are above or below the child bearing age ; hence
it is unreasonable to expect anything but a low birth rate.

Infantile Mortality.

There were 29 deaths of children under one year of age.
This gives an infant mortality rate of 50 per 1,000 births.
That for 1926 was 63, and the average of the previous five
years 55. The rate for England and Wales in 1927 was 69
and that for the 155 smaller towns 68.

The following tables are of interest : —

Table A. Showing

the Births,

Infantile Deaths , and Infantile

Mortality for

series of

ten years o

is compared with those of tli

e country as a whole.

Deaths of

Infantile

Total

Infants

Mortality

Births

under 1

for the

for England

Year

recorded.

year.

Borough.

and Wales.

1918

412

1919

531

1920

643

1921

542

1922

490

1923

488

1924

521

1925

513

1926

507

1927

570

Table B. Showing

the principal Causes of Deaths among Infants , 1918 — 1927.

1927

1926 1925 1924 1923 1922

1921

1920 1919 1918

Measles

- -

1 —

—

- -

Whooping Cough

1 4

- -

Diarrhoea

2 3

1 1 1

4 1

Tubercular Diseases

—

11-

_ - -

- -

—

Bronchitis

3 3 ;

3 2 1

2 5

Pneumonia

5 5

3 1 2

2 1

Premature Birth

Other Resp. Disease

1 12

14 10 17 11 14

16 10

Congenital Defects

O.D.D.

4 3

1 — —

1 —

—

All other cases

1 4

3 8 5

9 8

Totals

32 33 28 24 23

34 25

Full particulars, giving exact details of the causes of death,
the age stated in weeks and months under one year, are given
in Table IV., page 62.

MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.

The Devon County Council is the supervising authority
under the Midwives’ Act. There are ten midwives registered
as practising in the Borough. Four of these belong to the
Q.V.J.N. Association, three to the St. Mary-Church District
Nursing Association, and three practice privately. There is no
doubt that they provide a most efficient midwifery service for
women of the working classes. The Town Council make an
annual grant to these Associations to cover the loss sustained
by the attendance of midwives on necessitous cases.

The supervision of midwives and the inspection of Matern¬
ity Homes is under the County Council. Now Parliament have
passed an Act for the Registration and Inspection of Nursing
Homes, also to be carried out by the County Council, with the
proviso that a Local Authority administering the Maternity
and Infant Welfare Act may apply for this latter duty to be
delegated to them. Little or nothing is to be gained by such
delegation. It would mean dual inspection as most Nursing
Homes are also registered Maternity Homes. I have, on
many occasions, strongly expressed the opinion that where
local Authorities are responsible for the adminstration of the
Maternity and Infant Welfare Act and possess a full time
Medical Officer of Health, the wffiole of the above work should
be in their hands. Supervision by the County Council must
be of a detached nature, whilst if it was carried out by the
local Authority, it would tend to keep them in close touch
with the work of the Midwives and so enhance the benefits of
Infant Welfare work.

Conservation of Infant Life.

The Notification of Births Act renders it compulsory for
the parents, etc., to notify the birth of a child to the Medical
Officer of Health within 36 hours of its occurence.* Each

year a number of parents neglect to carry out this requirement.
This year the number was 19, against 26 in 1926.

Births registered —

(1) Live births, Legitimate 540
Births notified —

(1) Live Births - - 512

(1) Notified by midwives

(a) Live births - 389

( b ) Still births - 13

(2) Illegitimate 30 (3) Total 570

(2) Still Births 23 (3) Total 535

(2) Notified by parents and doctors

(a) Live births - 123

(b) Still births - 10

About ten days after the birth of a child the Health
Visitor endeavours to get into touch with the mother in those
cases in which a visit is desirable or likely to be appreciated,

*As soon as we ascertain that births have been registered but not notified, a
letter is sent to the parents informing them of the neglect, and asking for particulars
to be supplied.

Enquiries are made concerning the child, information given
about our Welfare centres, and the mother encouraged to bring
the child. In most cases subsequent visits are paid at in¬
creasing intervals ; in some until the child comes under the
supervision of the School Medical Department. The Health
Visitor also investigates the history of still births, and assists
the Medical Officer in the work of the Welfare Centres.

There can be no question that this is most valuable work,
and must to some extent be credited with the great reduction
in the infantile mortality since it was inaugurated. It requires
great tact, a wide knowledge of working class conditions, and
personal sympathy on the part of the worker. The greatest
care is taken that there shall be no interference with the
interests of the medical attendant in his patient. Indeed,
numerous cases can be cited in which, through the instru¬
mentality of the Health Visitor, infants have been taken to
doctors for advice as to illness or defect which, but for her
suggestion, would have been allowed to continue until they
became urgent or produced permanent disability.

Health Visitor’s Report, 1926.

Expectant mothers

First visits

Total visits

101

Infants under 1 year

? *

516

1671

Children 1 — 5 years

Total individuals

901

5 5

1542

Still births investigated

Ophthalmia Neonatorum

First visits

Total visits

Miscellaneous visits

Cases out when visited

518

,, removed

—

187

Total visits 4097

Attendances at Welfare Centres 93

! 8

Insanitary conditions found in 11 instances were referred
to the Sanitary Inspectors.

Cases not considered necessary to visit .. .. 45

Visits considered unnecessary after first visit . . . . 21

In cases of removal particulars are transferred to
the Medical Officer of Health of the district where the parents
have gone.

Records of 36 such cases were sent to and 37 from other
authorities enquired into, whilst 38 cases could not be traced.

Of the 442 mothers considered suitable to attend centres
231, or 54 per cent., have done so.

Provision of Milk to Necessitous Mothers

and Infants.

All applications for free supplies of milk under the Milk
(Mothers and Children) Order, 1919 — are enquired into by the
Medical Officer of Health. In most instances full details of the
family conditions are obtained by the Health Visitor ; care is
also taken to prevent overlapping with other charitable agencies
distributing relief. I am fully satisfied that in many cases the
provision of this milk has resulted in the saving of infant life
in the times of necessity.

During the year there has been a very heavy demand for
grants of milk, owing to a large increase in the number of
unemployed. The Welfare Committee therefore considered it
necessary to make application to the Minister of Health for
sanction to a supplementary grant, which, on the furnishing
of certain data, was allowed.

All milk supplied is Grade “A” Tuberculin Tested, a fact
on which I consider the Maternity and Infant Welfare Com¬
mittee are to be congratulated — as, indeed, are the Town
Council for supplying it in all their refreshment rooms.

This undoubtedly increases the cost, but the use of

*/ *

such milk is most advantageous. Not only can the con¬
sumer be satisfied that it is produced under clean conditions
and is free from Tubercule, but as it is supplied in bottles
there is not the same risk of contamination in the home as
when ordinary receptacles are used. Further the retailing of
such milk by various dealers throughout the Borough
encourages its use by persons able to afford it.

INFANT WELFARE CENTRES.

The whole of the work is controlled by the Infant Welfare
Sub-Committee of the Town Council, and the following three
Centres have been established : —

(1) . Ellacombe Centre meets in the Primitive

Methodist Hall, Market Street, on Fridays,
from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m.

(2) . Market Street Centre meets as above on Mondays,

from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m.

(3) . St. Mary-Church and Babbacombe Centre meets

in the St. Mary-Church Parish Hall on
Thursdays, from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m.

Until May, 1927, the St. Mary-Church and Babbacombe
Centre met in the Furrough Cross Congregational Hall ; but
it was then possible to obtain the use of the new St. Mary-
Church Parish Hall which has many advantages in the
number of rooms and in the accommodation available. The
new premises have been a considerable help in the working of
the Centre, which has shown for some time a gradual increase
in numbers, due partly to the new housing area of Barton
and Hele.

At each Centre there is a Committee of Voluntary
Workers, who meet at regular intervals, and make all the
general arrangements. Much of the suceess of the work must
be attributed to their efforts, and it is largely owing to their
regular and unselfish activities that the Centres continue to
increase and be so deservedly popular.

Tea is provided at the nominal charge of ljd. per head,
and the programmes include health talks, instruction in home
nursing and the care of infants, and demonstrations of sewing,
cutting out, and preparation of model garments and sets of
clothing.

Dr. Simpson, Deputy M.O.H., attends each Centre, and
is responsible for the medical arrangements. He is always
assisted by either the Health Visitor, the Matron of the Queen
Victoria Jubilee Nursing Institution, or one of the St. Mary-
Church District Nurses.

Some idea of the scope of the work may be seen from the
following figures for the three Centres combined : —

Admissions for the year

. . •

231

Attendances under 1 year

2,128

Attendances from 1 year to 5 years

2,639

Total Attendances for the year

4,767

Average attendance of children per

session

Number of sessions (three Centres)

144

The majority of the babies are seen by the Medical
Officer at each visit ; any defects are pointed out to the mother,
and instructions given concerning diet and infant management
in general. Emphasis is laid on the preventive nature of this
work, and all cases requiring treatment for other than simple
disorders are referred to private practitioners. It is not easy
to define where this simple advice ends and the treatment
begins, and it is only by the hearty co-operation of the local
doctors that the most effective benefit to the child will result.
Many cases, which would not otherwise reach him are sent
to the private practitioner ; but it is not infrequently found
that the parents are financially unable to call in their private
doctor on all occasions, and would probably buy a patent
medicine for the child, or use some other ineffective means of
treating the case, until the illness becomes very acute. By
advisory treatment at the Clinic in the early stage of the
illness, much can be done in these cases ; and the criticism
can scarcely be made with justness that the work of the
private doctor is suffering on this score, for surely the one ideal
aim of both clinic and practitioner is, after all, “ Infant
Welfare ” — and the benefit of the child.

In addition to the cases referred for treatment to private
doctors, it has been found possible to arrange all the School
Clinic facilities for the necessitous pre-school children.
Minor ailments, defective eye conditions, otorrhoea and
similar conditions are treated if necessary at the School Clinic;
while several cases of enlarged tonsils and adenoids in
pre-school children have received operative treatment at the
Torbay Hospital. In addition all crippling conditions can be
referred to the Orthopoedic Clinic, which is held at the School

Clinic each week, so that early and satisfactory treatment is
obtained for these cases.

Dental Work. — By the kind co-operation of the Torquay
Education Authority and the consent of the Ministry of
Health, arrangements were made whereby the services of the
School Dental Surgeon were made available for the examination
and treatment of pregnant mothers and children under school
age. One afternoon session is set aside for this work, and
Miss Hunt in furnishing the numbers of those attending,
states : — “ The number of mothers and infants who have
attended shows a small hut steady increase each quarter.
There is a wide field for work and good results should be
obtained.” Sir Frank Colyer, says : — “ Speaking as a Dental
Practitioner, I have no hesitation in saying that the main
damage to the teeth of the school child and adult, is in a large
measure attributable to neglect in pre-school days, and that if
we could, during these early years of life, ensure a sound set of
teeth, much of the trouble that has now to be dealt with in
later life, would never exist.” This acme of perfection can
only be attained by constant and prolonged propaganda. It
is difficult to persuade parents whose own teeth have in many
cases been neglected, to take the necessary trouble and subject
their small children to the discomfort of dental treatment. It
is hoped that the rising generation of mothers who have been
brought up to have regular attention to their teeth in school
years, will be so educated up to it that persuasion will be
unnecessary.

Miss Hunt records one case of extensive caries, in which
she has advocated a course of internal medication of calcium,
in the hope that it will render the permanent dentition more
efficient.

The tabulated results for the year are as follows : —

Number of Cases ... ... 29

,, Attendances ... 54

,, Extractions (Permanent) 10

,, ,, (Temporary) 18

,, Dressings ... ... 84

,, Fillings ... ... 9

Ante-Natal Cases.

The importance of ante-natal supervision does not yet
seem to be fully realised, but there are definite signs that this
branch of the work is becoming by degrees more understood,
more valued, and more appreciated. During 1927, 28
expectant mothers made 76 attendances ; these cases are seen
by appointment at the School Clinic, as there is no special
ante-natal clinic yet established.

All the cases seen are referred, if requiring treatment, to
private doctors ; but it is certainly desirable, when the mothers
can be sufficiently educated to appreciate it and to use it, to
extend this part of the Child Welfare Scheme by the
inauguration of a separate ante-natal session. For many of
the risks to which the expectant mother is exposed can be

avoided by routine examination and

treatment.

minimised or entirely

Summary of Nursing Arrangements.

Professional Nursing in the Home, (a) General. — Nurses
of the Queen Victoria Nursing Association and St. Mary-
Church District Nursing Association are available for this
purpose, independently of the Local Authority. ( b ) For
Infectious Diseases. — The Town Council utilises the services
of the above Associations in home visiting of cases of
Ophthalmia Neonatorum when instructed by the Medical
Officer of Health.

Midwives. — The Council makes subsidies to the Jubilee
Nursing Association and the St. Mary-Church and Babbacombe
District Nursing Associations, towards their losses in attending
necessitous women in their confinements.

Lying-in Accommodation. — There is no Institution in the
Borough where mothers of the working classes can be received
for ordinary confinement. The authorities of the Torbay
Hospital, will, however, always receive cases of complication.
The new Torbay Hospital buildings are now nearing com¬
pletion, and as provision has been made for a maternity ward,
it is hoped some definite arrangement will be made between
the Management and the Maternity and Infant Welfare Com-

mittee for the reception of necessitous cases. When this is
in being it should be possible to inaugurate an ante-natal
clinic there, to the great benefit of expectant mothers.

Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia.

In 1926, “ The Public Health (Notification of Puerperal
Fever and Pyrexia) ” Regulations, came into force. During
the year no notifications of Puerperal Fever were received,
but a death occurred in May of a Torquay resident, outside
the Borough, from Puerperal Sepsis, which was transferred
in. Only one notification of Puerperal Pyrexia was received.
It does not seem from this that the Ministry of Health’s hope
that by the clearer definition of these conditions, benefit
would accrue to mothers by the notification of such cases.

Ophthalmia Neonatorum.

Cases

Notified.

Treated

At Home „ ^n. ,

Hospital

Vision Un¬
impaired

Vision

Impaired

Total

Blindness

Deaths

Besides the above two suspected cases were discovered
and were treated at home. The Health Visitor makes
immediate enquiries, and in necessary cases treatment is
carried out by the District Nursing Associations.

Chicken-Pox.

In view of the continued prevalence of small-pox in
England and Wales, chicken-pox was notifiable throughout
the year; 57 being received.

Non-Notifiable Infectious Diseases.

Whooping cough was responsible for six deaths, all under
two years of age. Measles became prevalent towards the end
of the year, but fortunately no deaths were registered from
this disease.

The Head Teachers have instructions and are furnished
with the necessary forms to notify me of all cases, or suspected
cases, of any infectious sickness among the school children
coming to their notice. Similarly, the Attendance Officers
consult me about any suspicious cases.

Infantile Diarrhoea.

There were four deaths registered from this complaint,
all being infants under two years of age.

Notifiable Diseases during the Past Five Years.

Disease

1923

1924

1925

1926

1927

Puerpural Pyrexia

Diphtheria

Scarlet Fever

110

Enteric Fever (including para-Typhoid) . .

—

Puerperal Fever

—

Pneumonia

Chicken Pox

105

Encephalitis Lethargica

—

Poliomyelitis

—

Erysipelas

Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis

—

Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Malaria

—

Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Other Tubercular Diseases

HOSPITALS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS AVAILABLE

FOR THE DISTRICT.

Hospitals provided or subsidised bv the Local Authority
or by the Devon County Council — (1) Tuberculosis, “ White-
cliffe.” This is the old Western Hospital, taken over by the
County Council. It accommodates 45 patients. (2) There
is no special Maternity Hospital, but the Authorities of the
Torbay Hospital will admit urgent cases requiring operative
treatment. (3) Rosehill Children’s Hospital. The Maternity
and Child Welfare Committee subsidises one bed, and if vacant,
can obtain the use of a second, at a cost of one guinea per week.
This Hospital is situated on the Lower Warberry Road, and
accommodates 30 patients.

The Borough Sanatorium or Isolation Hospital, Newton
Abbot Road, consists of the Administrative Building — Scarlet
Fever ward block, consisting of two wards, with four beds in
each; and a Diphtheria ward block, two wards with four beds
in each. There is also a private ward for one patient, with
nurse’s room attached.

The question of alterations and drainage at this hospital,
referred to in my last report, has appreciably advanced during
the year. In that report I mentioned that the whole subject
was intimately connected with the sewerage of the surrounding
area, which is in the Newton Abbot Rural District. There
have been several conferences between the Rural District
Council and the Torquay Town Council, which ultimately
resulted in a proposal from the former that the Town Council
should take in that portion of the area into the Borough.
This was agreed to and application made to Parliament for a
Provisional Order to do so. In order to prevent delay the
Borough Engineer has prepared plans and estimates for a
comprehensive scheme for the sewering of the area, the
sewers to connect with a pumping station near Scott’s Bridge,
the sewage being pumped through a rising main into the
Borough sewers at Dawes Bridge. Further, he has also
prepared plans for enlargements at the Hospital, including the
remodelling of the sanitary arrangements and drainage of all
the buildings. This will be submitted to the Minister of
Health for sanction, and it is hoped the works will be pro¬
ceeded with without delay. Instructions have been given for
the installation of electric light throughout.

The financial statement for the year — April 1st, 1926
to March 31st, 1927 — shows that the cost amounted to
T935 10s. 9d. ; the number of patients received being 30.

Enteric Eever.

When accommodation is available the authorities of the
Torbay Hospital admit cases of this disease.

Cockington Isolation Hospital.

During the year an agreement was arrived at with the
Trustees of the Mai lock Estate for us to terminate our lease

of this Hospital. Arrangements have been made with the
County Council to receive any cases from this area at their
hospital at Upton Pine, near Exeter.

Bacteriological Examinations.

Specimens from suspected cases are examined at the
expense of the Town Council by Mr. Quant, of the South
Devon Chemical and Bacteriological Laboratory, who reports
that during the year he examined the following : —

Diphtheria

Tubercular Sputum
Enteric

7Q | Positive

{ Negative

A r ,• | Positive

4b examinations XT ,.

( Negative

— Negative

In the Laboratory attached to the Health Department
we have examined 16 specimens from inflamed or suspicious
throats of children attending the elementary schools. Some
specimens for other pathological conditions were examined.

Ambulance Facilities.

The Corporation possess two Motor Ambulances and
these are under the direction of the Medical Officer of Health.
(1) A first class Daimler Ambulance, solely used for the
transport of medical and surgical cases. We have had many
letters of appreciation of the comfort of this vehicle and the
* satisfactory attendance provided. (2) A Ford Ambulance
for the removal of infectious cases. This will in the near
future be replaced with a more up-to-date ambulance. The
ambulances are garaged at the Town Hall, and during office
hours can be obtained by communicating with the Medical
Officer of Health at liis office, Telephone No. 3221. When
the offices are closed, application should be made to the
ambulance driver at his house, Telephone No. 7106.

Two trained members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade
always accompany the ambulance as attendants.

Disinfection.

Free disinfection is carried out in all cases of notifiable
infectious disease, and also after the removal or death of
consumptive patients. Dooms are first fumigated with for¬
maline, and then the bedding is removed to the disinfecting
station at the Isolation Hospital and subjected to steam
sterilisation. The disinfector is a “ Thresh ” Current Steam
Disinfector.

Full advantage is taken of the facilities, all cases where
notifiable disease occurs being fully disinfected, and a very
large proportion of Non-notifiable cases.

Where information has come to hand of houses, etc.,
infected with vermin, we offer to spray the rooms with dis¬
infectants, and also to steam sterilise bedding or clothing.

Small-Pox and Vaccination.

No cases were notified. No vaccinations, either primary
or re-vaccinations, were performed by the Medical Officer of
Health. The accompanying table indicates the position of
the district as regards vaccination.

Through the courtesy of Mr. Edwards, the Vaccination
Officer, I am able to give the average results of primary
vaccination for the years 1900 to 1926 : —

0»

hjO

g 1

£ Q

3 0 ’G

Sh S-i O'

4J m to

►»

r-H

•<H +3

^ q

Years.

Total births register*

Successfully vaccinal

Insusceptible of
Vaccination

Had Small-pox

Number of Declaratif
from

Qonscientious Object

Died Unvaccinated

Postponed by

Medical Certifi cate

.q 0
ns P4

u 0 &

<D w ci

0° ®

■+3 CD

O C<3 rO

43 .3 CO

g Ora

O K. r-H

a ^.2

s ® ^

Ph5 £

Removed

Address unknown

Percentage successfu

Vaccinated

Excluding those’who

Unvaccinated. Perc<

Years’ Average
1900—1909

578

468

—

s’ Average
-1919 '

522

219

235

Years

1910

r-H

1920

686

271

—

340

1921

561

279

, —

314

1922

526

215

—

277

1923

529

238

—

234

1924

549

259

—

230

1925

516

219

—

247

1926

530

196

I _

279

In view of the prevalence of this disease throughout the
country, this unprotected condition of the population is a
serious menace.

Entebic Feveb.

Only one case was notified. The patient was a young-
lady who came from London to Torquay for a holiday. The
history proved that the patient had consumed mussels in
London and within the incubation period. The case termin¬
ated fatally.

Scablet Feveb.

Thirty-three cases were notified as against twenty-five in
1926. They were all of a mild character, except one which
proved fatal. There was some little doubt concerning the
diagnosis in this case, the child dying after a convulsion with¬
in 43 hours of the first onset of the disease, but the doctor in
attendance felt sure it was Scarlet Fever of a malignant type.
No further cases were attributed to it.

Diphthebia.

Five cases of Diphtheria were notified, two of which
terminated fatally. They were both of a severe type and
there was some little delay in administering anti-toxin.

Anti-toxin is supplied by the Town Council for all
suspected cases. I have made a practice of using it pro-
phylatically for contacts.

Ebysipelas.

Four cases were notified. No deaths occurred.

Encephalitis Lethabgica and Acute Poliomyelitis.

One case of each was notified. The latter was an infant
under one and died in a convulsion.

Tubebculosis.

During the year 73 cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis were
notified and 11 of other forms, against 96 and 19 in 1926.
Thirty-three deaths were registered from Tuberculosis of the
lungs and two from other forms. In addition there were 23
deaths of non-residents, which were transferred to their own
sanitary areas. The death rate from Tuberculosis is equal to
'93 per 1,000 per annum.

The following table gives the sex and ages of new cases,
and deaths of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and other forms

NMW CASES AND MORTALITY DURING 1927.

New Cases.

Deaths

Age Periods

Pulmonary

Non-Pulmonary

Pulmonary

Non-Pulmonary

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Under 1 year

1 to 5 years

—

— -

—

5 to 10

—

10 to 15 ,,

—

15 to 20

- -

—

20 to 25 „

—

— -

—

25 to 35 .,

—

35 to 45

—

45 to 55 ,,

—

55 to 65 ,,

—

65 & upwards

—

— ■

—

Totals

—

Notifications of this disease received each week are
furnished to the Devon County Council, and at the end of
each quarter a statement is sent, giving particulars of all new
cases and deducting deaths which have occurred, so that the
approximate number of existing cases in the area is known.
This is due to the fact that undoubtedly cases leave the
district without our knowing it, and tubercular patients come,
and unless urgent symptoms arise necessitating medical help,
we are unaware of it. The Tuberculosis Officer furnishes me
with particulars concerning the cases seen by him ; there is
thus fairly close co-operation.

The Devon County Council utilise “ Whitecliffe ” as a
'hospital for the reception of cases of tuberculosis which are
not suitable for treatment at the County Sanatorium. Many
of the transferable deaths occur at this Institution.

Free disinfection of rooms and bedding is carried out
after death or removal of patients from houses in the
Borough .

Under the Torquay Corporation Act, 1923, the Authority
have power to disinfect compulsorily and cleanse infected

rooms and articles. It is also incumbent on all those having
the management or control of premises where there is or
has been a person suffering from Tuberculosis to notify the
Medical Officer of Health. Under Section 75 the Authority has
power to prevent persons in an advanced stage of the disease
from being employed in the cooking or preparation of food
for consumption for persons other than members of their own
household. No cases have arisen necessitating action under
this section, nor under the Public Health (Prevention of
Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1925, or Public Health Act, 1925,
Sec. 62.

Cancer, Malignant Disease.

There were 69 deaths registered from the above cause.

The age and sex distribution is as follows : —

Age

period

Under

30-35

35 — 15

45-55

55-65

65-75

Over 75

Totals

Males

—

Females

—

Totals

—

The death-rate from cancer is equal to 1'8 per 1,000 per
annum.

It must be remembered that in Torquay the population
contains a large proportion of persons of advanced years and
of females over males than the country as a whole, hence it
is only to be expected that the death-rate from cancer would
be high.

Venereal Disease.

The treatment of this disease is supervised by the County
Council. Although that Authority gives every facility for
patients to attend the centres at Exeter, even to advancing
the cost of railway fares in necessitous cases, yet the want of
a local centre militates against successful action in combating
this complaint. I am in hopes that when the New Torbay
Hospital is in being, provision will be made for a treatment

centre to be established there. It will be somewhat anomal¬
ous to have a hospital treating both medically and surgically
cases which are the result of neglect of early treatment, and
which could be prevented if we had a suitable treatment centre.

WATER SUPPLY.

The town supply is derived from upland surface gathering-
ground on the borders of Dartmoor, about 15 miles from
Torquay. The extent of this area is 2,354 acres, and
belongs to the Corporation. All inhabited houses and
farms have been cleared from it, thus preventing any
menace to the purity of the water. The water is also, as a
further precaution, passed through mechanical filters. In
this way all suspended material is removed ; it is clarified,
and the appearance considerably improved.

The total daily amount supplied was 2,192,630 gallons,
or 34.3 per head for a population of 63,800. This includes
Newton Abbot and a few villages on the line of the mains.

The total rainfall on the catchment area during the year
was 49.21 inches. The average is 41.82 inches.

There are now three mains between the storage reservoirs
at Tottiford and Torquay, varying in size from 9 inches to
15 inches in diameter. The new service reservoir at Great
Hill was opened in the early summer. The supply there
supplements the other town reservoirs and permits water to
be supplied to houses at the highest levels.

Quality of the Water.

It possesses all the qualities of a good upland surface
water. The watershed has been so protected as to make the
possibility of pollution infinitesimal. It is also subjected to
mechanical filtration, rendering it doubly safe, and removing
any suspended peaty matter. It is extremely soft, yet con¬
tains sufficient lime and magnesia salts to prevent any solvent
action on lead. It is in all respects one of the best domestic
supplies in the kingdom.

Regular monthly analyses of the water are made, samples
being taken from different areas in the Borough. The results
vary very slightly ; the following is a typical result : —

Result of Chemical Analysis.

Physical Characters — Very pale straw colour, clear, no
odour or deposit.

Chemical Constituents
Total Solids
Chlorides
Hardness
Nitrites
Nitrates
Free Ammonia
Organic Ammonia
Oxygen absorbed in 4 hours

Expressed in parts
per 100,000
7-0
1-6
1-5
nil

trace

•007

•07

Extension of Gathering Area.

In view of the continued increase in the number of
houses erected within recent years in the area supplied and to
safeguard themselves against any shortage through a period of
drought, the Corporation promoted a Bill in Parliament,
seeking powers to obtain an additional supply of water from
the South Teign in the Parish of Chagford. This received
the Royal Sanction in July. The South Teign derives its
waters from an area completely moorland in character, very
sparsely inhabited, none of the houses being in such proximity
as to be a menace to the purity of the water. The intention
of the Corporation is to construct a weir pool with weir and
intake on the South Teign, and convey the water by a line of
pipes discharging into the Trenchford reservoir on our present
watershed. The levels permitting of this to be done. The
approximate distance between intake and outfall being about
10 miles.

The great advantages will be that all this water will be
subjected to mechanical filtration as is adopted with our
present supply.

The Corporation have, with certain reservations, the
power to take three million gallons of water per day.

The results obtained by chemical examination prove it to
be an excellent upland surface water. It is extremely soft.
The results are as follows : — -

Physical Characters — Colour, faint straw ; purbidity,
clear; odour, nil; deposit, minute amount of vegetable
matter.

Chemical results in parts
per 100,000

Total Solids . . . . . . . . 4 0

Chlorine .. .. .. .. T2

Hardness . . . . . . . . -4

Nitrites .. .. .. .. nil

Nitrates .. .. .. . , 064

Free Ammonia .. .. .. .. nil

Organic Ammonia.. .. .. .. 0014

Oxygen absorbed in 4 hours at 80°F . . . . -022

SEWERAGE.

The sewage of the whole district, and most of the storm¬
water, is conveyed to the main sewer in Fleet Street ; that of
the Strand, Torbay Road, Vaughan Parade, Victoria Parade,
Beacon Hill, George Street, and Swan Street, being pumped
into the main sewer. The main sewer is seven feet in
diameter, and runs from Fleet Street to Hope’s Nose, a
distance of about two miles. The outfall is at such a level
that the sewage is discharged at all states of the tide. No
method of treatment is adopted, as the flow of current is out
towards mid -channel beyond Berry Head, and does not under
any circumstances return towards the bay.

The Borough Engineer, Major Garrett (under whose
supervision all sewers are) has furnished me with the following
particulars of new works carried out during the year : —

Babbacombe Road relief sewer — 580 yards of 24in. pipes
and 742 of 18in. This work has been carried out continuously
throughout the year and should be completed at an early date.

In addition, 865 yards of 9in. sewers have been laid in
Windsor Road, Hartop Road, Barton Road, Tor Vale, Shiphay
Lane, Sherwell Hill, and at the Windmill Hill Housing Estate;
also 610 yards of 6in. sewers in Happaway Road, Barton Road,
Borough Road, and on the Housing Estate, Hele.

As mentioned in my remarks on the drainage of the
Isolation Hospital on page 25, Parliament has now sanctioned
the inclusion of the Shiphay area in the Borough, the
appointed day being October 1st, 1928. This question has
been settled partly on the grounds of sewerage, hence the
Town Council have instructed the Borough Engineer to
prepare a scheme for the efficient drainage of the area, and
there is little doubt it will be pushed forward with little delay.
With such a scheme in being the area will undoubtedly
develop rapidly.

Drainage of Houses.

Much attention is devoted to this subject. Most of the
villa residences, hotels, and large boarding houses have the
best modern sanitary arrangements. The drains, except in
a few cases where there are difficulties of levels, are all
connected with the sewers.

Collection and Disposal of House Befuse.

The removal of house refuse is undertaken by the Cor¬
poration and is under the direction of the Borough Engineer,
who is responsible for its efficiency. In most parts of the
town there is a weekly clearance, but in certain areas twice a
week. In recent years motor transport has been gradually
introduced, and now all horse haulage has been eliminated.
This, together with the regular recording of the weight of
material brought for destruction, has tended largely to improve
the efficiency of the service.

The reconstruction of the destructor under the engineers,
Messrs. Heenan and Froude, has proceeded without delay,
and should be completed at an early date. This was
necessitated by the great increase in the amount of refuse
collected and by the fact that the old cells had become
obsolete. A new approach and enlargement of the tipping
platform will obviate congestion and facilitate stoking. The
reconstruction of the destructor cells will allow of three cells
being out of commission at a time, so that inspection and
repairs may be carried out without closing down the whole
apparatus, a proceeding which, in the past, necessitated the
dumping of refuse for several weeks at a time, and was
provocative of many complaints,

THE STAFF.

The Medical Officer of Health is responsible to the Public
Health Committee for the proper working of the department.
He is also the Administrative School Medical Officer, in which
capacity he is responsible for the medical inspection and treat¬
ment of elementary school children to the Education Authority,
thus co-ordinating the two offices.

For the efficient carrying out of these duties he has the
assistance of the following : —

An Assistant and Deputy Medical Officer of Health, the
present official is Dr. J. Y. A. Simpson. His principal duties
are the medical inspection and such treatment of school children
as is carried out at the school clinics. For this purpose he has
the assistance of the School Nurse. He is also responsible for
the conduct of the Infant Welfare Centres, in which work he
has the assistance of the Health Visitor.

The Chief Sanitary Inspector is Mr. G. E. Body, who has
under his direction a staff of three district inspectors and a
clerk. For the routine work of inspection, the town is divided
into three districts — Mr. Loveless having charge of the S.W.
district, Mr. Thompson the S.E., and Mr. Fedrick the N.E.
They all hold the certificate of the R.S.I. The supervision of
food and meat is under the direct charge of Mr. Body, although
the other inspectors visit both slaughter-houses, butchers’, and
other shops.

The Chief Sanitary Inspector reports as follows : —

As in the past every endeavour has been made to main¬
tain our high standard of Meat and Food Inspection, and
considering the many other important duties the staff have to
carry out, great credit is due to them for the very efficient
manner this responsible and difficult duty is performed.

The supervision of the slaughtering in the slaughter¬
houses just outside the Borough has at all times received the
ready assistance of the traders concerned, notification of
slaughter, both regular and emergency, has almost without
exception been duly notified,

This inspection has, I feel sure, been of advantage to the
town as well as to the trader. Although a good deal of time
and travelling is necessary, subsequent trouble is avoided, as
abnormal conditions in carcases or organs is dealt with at the
slaughter-house, the butcher being thus relieved of the
responsibility of having unfit food in his possession at his shop.

The question of a public slaughter-house and Central
Depot for Meat Inspection, is still in abeyance. The
necessity for this will undoubtedly become more urgent and
costly as time goes on, and will eventually have to be faced.

The gradual urbanising of the more rural parts of the
Borough and districts adjoining will mean probably the
closure of some private slaughter-houses, hence butchers who
require accommodation will have to go further afield or
slaughter in premises quite unsuitable for the amount of the
business carried on, or dressed carcases will be purchased
from rural districts or small towns where inspection, notwith¬
standing the Public Health (Meat) Regulations is not
efficiently carried out ; this is amply proved by the number of
diseased pigs heads found in shops.

As the population of the town increases, the number of
food purveyors will increase in proportion, with the result,
that supervision will become more difficult. If a suitable
public abattoir was provided, many traders would take
advantage of the facilities offered, with the result, that
centralized slaughtering and inspection in the course of a few
years would be an accomplished fact.

During the period under review, 328 pigs heads were
condemned, on account of Tuberculosis. Of these 99 were
found in shops, showing an increase of 23’ 18% over last year.
In only eight instances, was I requested to examine the heads
and carcases prior to sale, the remainder being found during
the course of inspection by the District Inspectors.

Reference to the accompanying tables, shows the extent
of our activities in this branch of our work.

Table A gives a list of the organs or parts of carcases
found diseased. The total number, 4026, is a decrease of
IT 7% on that of the previous year, accounted for by the
decrease in the number of unsound or bruised frozen or chilled
meat found. Tubercular organs show an increase of 16*8%.

Table B shows the total number of carcases inspected
in the shops and slaughter-houses, here we have an increase
of 40’8%.

Table D. This table indicates the number of carcases
actually inspected in the five slaughter-houses in the Borough.
All show an increase in the numbers slaughtered, except in
the case of No. 3, where there was a decrease of 47T6%.
The total increase over 1926 was 11 ‘5 1%.

Table E gives the number of carcases inspected in the
rural slaughter-houses under my supervision, as arranged with
the Newton Abbot Rural District Council and the Butchers
concerned. Here again an increase of 4 '3% is shown.

Table F shows the number of carcases examined in
slaughter-houses and shops in the town. The increase in the
former is 9'6% and the latter 62'5%. Those inspected in
shops include frozen and chilled meat carcases, whilst many
home-killed carcases would have been previously inspected in
the slaughter-house, but until we have some recognised form
of marking, dual inspection can hardly be avoided.

Table G- gives the weight of food destroyed, compared
with 1926. The total weight shows a decrease of 12 tons,
but in 1926, we had surrendered a cargo of 10 tons of
cabbages and potatoes, so this reduces the decrease in other
foods to 2 tons.

Table H shows the percentage of carcases found to be
affected with Tuberculosis in the slaughter-houses. Those
found in shops are not included, as there is difficulty in
ascertaining the true percentage as stated above.

Table I gives the number, weight and places where
diseased or unsound food was found, and table J shows type
of food destroyed.

TABLE A.

Diseased or Unsound Food Destroyed.

Diseases.

Organs, etc.
Destroyed.

Tuberculosis.

Flukes.

Cirrhosis.

Abscess.

Cysts

Strongy li.

Inflammation.

Pleurisy.

Injury.

Actinomycosis

Unsound.

Others.

Totals.

Beasts : Lungs

Livers

100

—

177

Tongues

Heads..

Carcases

Cows : Lungs

Livers..

Tongues

—

-j-

—

■ —

—

£U

Heads

—

— •

Carcases

—

Heifers : Lungs

Livers

—

200

Tongues

—

Heads

Carcases

Calf Carcase

—

Sheep : Lungs

—

118

959

124

—

1360

Livers..

—

366

748

—

1165

Heads

—

Carcases

—

Pigs : Lungs

—

105

—

261

Livers

—

Heads

328

—

331

Carcases

Other Organs :

Mesenteries . .

—

Spleens

—

Stomachs

—

Miscellaneous

—

Other Foods

—

Chilled or Frozen Meat

—

162

198

Totals

4531

601

226

833

140

1006

252

159

237

40251

Totals

TABLE B.

Carcases Examined.

1926

* .

1927

2180

Bullocks

3476

107

Cows

328

Heifers

497

17178

Sheep and Lambs

23244

4359

Pigs

6447

2630

Calves

3991

26782

37711

TABLE C.

Carcases Destroyed.

1 Cow

4 ’>

3 Heifers
1 „

2 „

4 Pigs

pts

y y

3 Sheep
2 Calves

Physiced

Tuberculosis

y y

Fevered
Tuberculosis
Unsound
Septic Pleurisy
Septic Pneumonia
Swine Erysipelas
Dropsy
Bruised

Pyaemia — Unsound

TABLE D.

No. of Carcases Examined in the different Slaughter-houses

in the Borough.

No.

Bullocks

Cows

Heifers

Sheep and
Lambs

Pigs

Calves

Total

Visits.

156

162

187

484

663

198

122

—

196

149

773

174

1215

198

Abattoir ...

170

275

3463

1759

1124

6813

584

Totals

278

383

4842

2235

1258

9049

1316

TABLE E.

No. of Carcases Examined in the different Slaughter-houses

outside the Borough.

Bullocks

Cows

Heifers

Sheep and
Lambs

Pigs

Calves

Total

Visits.

120

150

124

—

308

181

556

131

—

249

—

338

244

351

102

1166

230

120

1661

158

Totals

196

112

2087

498

161

3056

568

TABLE F,

Total number of Carcases Examined in different Slaughter-houses

and Shops.

Slaughter-houses ... ... 12105

Shops ... ... ... 25606

Total ... 37711

TABLE G.

1926.

Diseased

or TJnsound Food Destroyed.

1927.

cwts. qrs.

lbs.

Tons.

cwts. qrs

3 3

17f

Voluntarily surrendered 1

15 1

1 0

Surrendered (after 7

inspection)

2 0

— —

24^

Seized

7 2

lbs.

114

141

21 5 0 23

9 5 0 10

TABLE H.

Percentage of Animals Inspected found affected
with Tuberculosis.

Bullocks

... 6 in 474

zzir

1-26%

Cows

... 2 in 55

3'63%

Heifers

6 in 495

1-33%

Pigs

328 in 2733

—

12*0%

TABLE I.

Premises where Diseased or Unsound Food was found.

Where

Seized

Weight

lbs.

Voluntar¬
ily Sur¬
rendered

Weight

lbs.

Surrend¬
ered on
Request

Weight

lbs.

Total

Weight

lbs.

Total

Num¬

ber

Shops

362

14241

175

1258

3044^

230

Slaughter¬

houses

490

3643

146581

151481

3653

Siding

—

141

2533

—

2533

141

Other Places

Totals ...

852

196

39591

3819

15918^

20730

4026

TABLE J.

Type of Food destroyed.

Nature of Food. No.

of Articles.

Weight.

Frozen and Chilled Meat

198

2891 lbs,

Fish (cases)

7 „

Tuberculous Meat

458

6891 ,,

Other Organs, parts of carcases

3345

10836

Eggs — liquid — Rabbits, Ducks,

105 „

Tinned Foods, etc.

4026

20730 lbs.

PUBLIC HEALTH (MEAT) REGULATIONS, 1924,

On the whole these Regulations are observed by those
„ concerned. Failure to notify occasional slaughter and re¬
moval of organs within the specified period, have been the
only matters to which attention has had to be drawn.

The question of the open as against closed windows is
still a source of trouble. The less progressive continue to up¬
hold the old customs of making their shop a harbour and
refuge for dust and filth from the roads ; while the more up-
to-date and enlightened traders have long since realised, that
dust and dirt means waste and a loss of income. Unfortunate¬
ly a great number of housewives appear quite unconcerned as

to the purity of their food, dust cannot always be readily
detected on some food stuffs, but the practical knowledge of
the amount of dust that finds its way through the open win¬
dow of their own home should be sufficient to convince them
that foods exposed in an open shop window cannot he clean.
Likewise that filthy pest, the house fly, is looked upon as a
necessary evil for which there is no cure, forgetting that flies
breed in filth, are attracted by filth, and during their daily
peregrinations pollute everything they touch.

The protection of cooked foods, butter, cheese, etc.,
especially during the busy hours is perhaps difficult, but the
provision of a glass screen fixed to the counter, should go a
long way to protect the food from contamination, brought
about by coughing or sneezing, whilst the use of an electric
fan is effective in keeping the place clear of flies.

These may seem trivial matters, hut when perishable
food is concerned it is important for traders to comply with
the regulations which are drawn up as the result of experience
and scientific research.

SLAUGHTER-HOUSES.

The following is the number of private slaughter-houses
in use in the area at the dates mentioned : —

In 1920

In January
1927

In Decem¬
ber, 1927

Registered

Licensed

Total

The premises are visited daily, and on the whole are kept
in a satisfactory condition, the quarterly lime-washing and the
periodic cleansing of the slaughtering cradles giving most
trouble.

The lack of cooling accommodation, necessitating the
slaughter of animals in close proximity to those hanging up, is
a great drawback and a strong argument in favour of the
provision of a Public Abattoir.

Disposal of Diseased and Unsound Food.

All diseased and unsound food is, after condemnation
burnt in the Corporation’s Befuse Destructor.

MILK SUPPLY.

Registered dairymen number 75, and cowkeepers 10.
These premises are inspected periodically and on the whole
are satisfactory. The Milk and Dairies Order which
came into operation on the 1st October, 1926, should go a
long way to improve the conditions under which milk is
produced.

During the year 377 visits were paid to the dairies, and
75 visits of inspection to the cowsheds, in addition, Mr. C.
Masson, the Council’s Veterinary Inspector, has made a
quarterly examination of the cows. No cases of Tuberculosis
was discovered and on the whole the cattle have been found
in a very healthy condition.

Under the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923, we

have

(a) One producer and distributor of “ Certified ” Milk.

(b) Thirteen licensed distributors of “ Certified ” and
Grade “A” (T.T.) Milk.

Samples of Grade “A,” “Certified” and ordinary milk
were obtained and submitted to the Medical Officer for
bacteriological examination and analysis.

The result of the bacteriological examination of the 61
samples are as follows : —

28 samples of “ Certified ” milk — Bacillus Coli was
demonstrated in 1-c.c. of three samples and 6 in
1/100. The number of colonies varied from 200 to
19,200 per c.c.

21 samples of Grade “A” (Tuberculin Tested) — here
Bacillus Coli was found in 12 samples in dilutions of
1/100 after 48 hours, and the number of colonies
varied from 120 to 17,800 per c.c.

The chemical analysis of butter fat present ranged
from 3‘0% to 4*8%

As regards the Milk and Dairies Order, 1926, the major¬
ity of traders appear desirous of complying with the require¬
ments. Failure to cover the milk and cream is the principal
trouble. Here the dairyman is like the butcher, every care is
taken in one direction to prevent soiling of the article but the
good work is wasted and spoiled by exposing the food to the
dust and grime of the streets. No doubt “ custom ” has much
to do with it, especially is this so in the case of cooling the
milk, many farmers still adhere to the old theory that cooling
prevents the rising of the cream, whilst many dairymen allege
that their customers refuse to accept cooled milk. Be that as
it may, the sooner the consumer realises that cooled milk
keeps longer and the farmer, that the milk must be cooled be¬
fore dispatch, the better for all concerned.

Public Health (Prevention of Tuberculosis)

Begulations, 1925.

No cases were notified during the year.

When carcases of animals showing tuberculosis are seen
at the local slaughter-houses, steps are at once taken to
ascertain where the animals are reared or purchased, these
particulars being forwarded to the County Council.

ICE CREAM.

The supervision of the premises where ice cream is made
or sold, have again received special attention, as during the
summer months a large quantity of ice cream is sold in the
town. Practically every sweetshop, cafe and restaurant sells
it in one form or other, while barrow vendors are numerous.

Considering the numbers carrying on this business, with
one or two exceptions, care as regards cleanliness seems to be
observed, and although B. Coli was found in 7 samples of the
11 submitted for bacteriological examination, the source of
contamination in a number of instances arose, in my opinion
from the use of separated cream in its preparation.

It seems desirable that there should be some form of
annual licensing of both purveyors and the premises where ice
cream is manufactured. Unsuitable premises could thus be
eliminated.

MILK AND CREAM REGULATIONS, 1912 & 1917

and

SALE OF FOOD AND DRUGS ACT.

The Begulations are enforced by the County Police, who
also take samples. Through the courtesy of Superintendent
Eddy, I am enabled to give the following results : —

Samples taken.

No.

Result of

Genuine

Analysis.

Not

Genuine

Samples of New Milk

Dripping ...

Scald Cream

—

(3hee.se

—

Flour

—

Scald Milk

—

Chocolate Banana . ..

—

Margarine...

—

Result of Proceedings
(if any).

' 1 Fined 10/6 & 14/6 costs

2 Cautioned

3 Fined 10/-

4 Case dismissed

5 Fined £3

l 6 Fined 21/- and analyst

INSPECTION OF OTHER FOODS.

Close observation is made by the District Inspectors of
food stuffs exposed in shops and hawkers’ barrows. On
several occasions, alleged unsound or diseased food has been
brought to the Department for examination. Frequently the
circumstances surrounding the case, such as the cooking of
the food or length of time after purchase, etc., render it
impossible for us to do much.

During the course of visits made to places where food is
prepared, the occupiers in a few cases have had to be cautioned
as to the lack of cleanliness, either of the premises or utensils.
As a rule this is sufficient to ensure improvement.

Regular visits are paid in the early morning to the Fish
Quay to inspect fish before distribution. Cargoes of potatoes
and other vegetables are often landed at the harbour being
brought over from Northern France.

Kitchens of Hotels, Etc.

Section 70 of the Torquay Corporation Act, 1923,
empowers inspection of the above.

During the year we have inaugurated a form of Sanitary
Certificate in connection with the kitchens and larders of
these establishments.

A Schedule of Recommendations as regards light,
ventilation, cleanliness, etc., is laid down, if such is complied
with, a Certificate is issued, these operate for a period of 12
months. During the year 6 Certificates have been granted.
Although the number of inspections fall below what was
anticipated, some good work has been accomplished.

Fish and Chip Shops.

There are 17 fish and chip shops on the register, and four
hawkers’ carts. Three licences for the establishment of this
business were granted during the year.

Other Offensive Trades.

There is one tripe dressing establishment, this is visited
several times a week. There are also seven marine stores on
the Register. The accumulation of rabbit skins is usually
the source of trouble with the business.

Rag Flock Act.

Eight samples of rag flock were obtained and analysed in
the Public Health Laboratory. As the chlorine contents in
no case exceeded the amount laid down by the Act, statutory
samples were not obtained.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES (ANIMALS) ACTS.

The diseases scheduled are Foot and Mouth Disease,
Swine Fever, Epizootic Abortion, etc.

Bacteriological examinations of the following specimens
connected with diseases of animals were made : — Swine
Erysipelas, two; Tuberculosis, four; Actinomycosis, one;
Johne’s Disease, one ; Anthrax, one ; Chilled Beef, three ;
Tame Rat, one.

In connection with one hindquarter of chilled beef the
condition was most unusual, there being a distinct smell and
flavour of orange. The various chemical tests for citric acid
was cairied out all giving a positive reaction but the mystery
is, how the animal or the hindquarter became affected. It
would have been interesting to have ascertained if the other
' parts of the carcase were also affected, but of course this was
impossible, as in all probability another wholesale distributor
handled them.

Swine Fever.

Three outbreaks were notified during the year.

Parasitic Mange.

No cases were notified.

INSECT PESTS ACT.

No cases were reported or detected.

RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT.

The supervision of rat infested premises is now part of
the routine work of the Department, every encouragement is
given ratepayers to notify us of the presence of these pests, as
from a public health point of view, their destruction is of
great importance, hence our activities are not confined to Eat
Week, but continue throughout the year. Judging from the
number of persons who have applied for poison or advice the
public are beginning to realise the danger and damage caused
by these rodents. Unfortunately there are still a few in¬
dividuals who fail to take any steps to deal with the trouble,
it is these few that are frequently the cause of areas already
cleared, again becoming infested, but owing to the absence of
the necessary legal proof the defaulters cannot be brought to
book.

During the year 422 premises have been especially
inspected and treated, whilst 1962 baits have been laid down.

SANITARY CERTIFICATES.

During the year 22 premises have been inspected, and
drains tested, and 21 Certificates have been granted. The
requirements as regards fittings and method of construction
has been revised and brought up-to-date, the suggesting of
the use of iron pipes with caulked lead joints for the under¬
ground drains, has in many cases been carried out, owners as
well as builders realising the advantages of this.

The number of Certificates granted shows a decrease on
the previous year, on the other hand the length of new drains
laid and new or additional sanitary fittings provided, are in
excess of previous records, several large hotels and boarding
houses have had their sanitary systems remodelled,

SANITARY INSPECTION OF THE DISTRICT.

Here is given in tabulated form the various matters dealt
with by the District Sanitary Inspectors, a large number of
visits have been made with the Medical Officer of Health but
as in many cases the}7 have been visited previously by the
District Inspectors they have not been recorded separately in
the table.

Summary of Sanitary Inspectors’ Work.

s.w.

S.E.

N.E.

REN. TOTAL

Houses inspected

182

47 326

Houses visited

198

381

211

20 910

Special visits re insanitary area

Visits to Stentiford’s Hill property

—

- 75

Visits to Westhill and Hele properties

—

— 95

Dirty premises limewashed and cleansed

—

Rooms disinfected . .

190

Oases of overcrowding abated . .

■ —

—

— 3

Defective floors repaired

— 19

Water supply laid direct from main to tap

over sink

—

— 2

Defective yards re-paved

1 10

Lighted and ventilated rooms

—

— 2

External plastering repaired . .

Internal ,, ,,

Stoves repaired

—

Coppers repaired

R.W.P.’s and gutters repaired

— 12

Nuisances from keeping fowls and animals

—

— .8

Ashbins provided for house refuse

125

Roofs repaired

— 17

Handrails fixed

—

— 11

Doors and door frames repaired or renewed

—

— 22

Windows repaired or renewed . .

— 9

Yards and outbuildings cleansed

— 4

Smoke tests applied. .

155

535

129

5 824

Water ,, ,,

144

14 297

New sets of bouse drains laid ..

130

Defective house drains repaired

— 82

Intercepting traps with fresh air inlets

fixed

— 72

Old “Masons” traps and other old types

abolished

Inspection chambers to drains built

154

Drains ventilated at head of system

Soil pipes fixed outside buildings and

ventilated

— 92

Iron and brick traps removed and earthen-

ware gullies fixed

192

Waste pipes from baths, lavatories and

sinks trapped

Choked drains cleared

— 91

Defective w.c. cisterns repaired or new

provided

W.C.’s repaired and cleansed

107

—

Glazed sinks fixed ..

Lavatory basins fixed

Housemaids sinks fixed

Houses closed as unfit for human habitation

Workshops visited

Workshop notices

Houses repaired

Sanitary certificates granted . .

Visits to piggeries
,, ,, stables

,, ,, common lodging houses

,, public elementary schools
Offensive accummulations removed
Nuisances from stables and manure pits
abated

Miscellaneous
Inspections, rats and mice
Number baits issued, rats and mice
lie-visits in connection with the above
work

Legal notices
Preliminary notices served
Letters and communications in connection
with the work of the department . .
Verbal notices

Written and verbal complaints
Slaughter houses visited
Butchers shops ,,

Butchers carts ,,

Fish Quay ,,

Railway siding ,,

Market ,,

Other shops ,,

Bakehouses ,,

Fish and chip shops ,,

Marine stores ,,

Ice cream shops ,,

Tripe boilers ,,

Places of entertainment visited
Cafes, etc. visited
Carcases inspected . .

Number of vessels inspected . .

Weight of food destroyed
Visits to dairies
Visits to cowsheds . .

Disinfectant supplied

Public conveniences inspected. .

Caravans and tents inspected . .

Samples of milk for analysis, for per cent, of
fat * . • • * .

Samples of milk bacteriologically ex¬

amined

Samples of rag flock bacteriologically

examined

Samples of ice cream bacteriologically

examined

Meat and other foods bacteriologically

examined

Bedding, etc. disinfected

—

116

152

106

377

—

107

125

—

170

—

410

—

442

—

1962

542

618

537

1724

- —

—

426

_ _

2148

- -

—

302

—

987

189

116

747

225

1277

1084

1529

908

170

3691

118

—

114

—

157

102

—

164

—

106

—

106

—

- -

13085

10796

9825

4005

37711

—

179

—

179

—

20730

207

377

—

220

125

108

269

—

— >

—

1070

PORT SANITARY INSPECTION.

As far as possible all trading vessels are boarded and
inspected on arrival, special attention being paid to those from
foreign ports as to the freedom of illness among the crews and
presence of rats and other vermin.

Special attention has been paid to the ships carrying
cargoes of vegetables, both as regards their condition and the
cleanliness of the ship. All were found in a satisfactory
condition.

The number of ships inspected has shown an increase of
70'9% on the previous year. There were 101 steamers, and
78 sailing vessels. 110 being British and 69 foreign. The
cargoes carried were 12 Timber, 17 Coal, 36 Bricks, 29
Cement, 11 Sand, 12 Concrete Blocks, 2 Slates, 22 General
Cargoes, 19 Potatoes, 15 Green Vegetables, and 4 Onions.

The question of rat infestation has again received special
notice, the Master of every ship boarded is questioned as to
the presence of rats aboard, but in only one instance were
they known or suspected on board. In this case rat bait
(Barium Carbonate) was laid down. Prom here the ship was
taken to dry dock and overhauled, when some dead rats were
found which were assumed to have succumbed from the
poison laid down, since then no further cases have occurred.

As stated in previous reports, little trouble is experienced
from these pests as the nature of the cargoes carried, the
smallness of the boats, the absence of confined spaces and the
short time that elapses between loading and unloading soon
cuts short the career of any that find their way aboard.

Leaflets calling attention to the requirements necessary
in order to prevent rats getting ashore or gaining access to the
ship and offering assistance in case of rat infested ships have
been handed to the officer in command when the ship is
inspected.

Similarly handbills relative to the danger of venereal
diseases and facilities for treatment are distributed among the
crews of the ships.

No cases of illness were reported but one case of accident
(burning) was admitted to Hospital.

I must say the vessels inspected have generally been
found clean and in a satisfactory condition, this is borne out
by the fact that in only two instances had attention to be
called to the dirty conditions of the water closets. The state
of affairs appeared to be brought about by the absence of
flushing cisterns, but as the Captains informed us that other
Port Authorities do not appear to require these fittings, the
provision was not pressed.

During the year 1927 the amount of shipping entering
the harbour is as follows : —

Foreign

Steamers

.116

Tonnage

... 39,098

Sailing

. 36

> j

... 1,956

Motor

. 35

J 5

... 1,776

Total Ships

187

42,830

Inspected —
Steamers

. 21

Sailing and Motor

Coastwise —

Ships

Steamers

. 26

Tonnage

... 8,575

Sailing

. 36

3 3

397

Motor

.143

... 5,990

205

42,830

Inspected —
Steamers

. 78

Sailing and Motor

Ships

Making a total of 179 ships inspected.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Only one summons was taken out during the year. This
was in respect to the non-notification of repairs to drains,
under Sec. 47 of the Torquay Corporation Act, 1923, but as
the question of emergency was upheld by the Court, the case
was dismissed.

FACTORIES AND WORKSHOPS.

During the year, 377 Factories and Workshops were
inspected which is 106 more than 1926.

With few exceptions the workrooms are kept clean and
generally well lighted and ventilated and free from over¬
crowding.

Neglect to limewash at the specified time and the absence
of a ventilated space between the water closets and the work¬
rooms, are the principal matters calling for attention, these
however are remedied as soon as the occupier’s attention is
drawn to the matter.

In two instances owing to the construction and position
of the workshop it was found impossible to provide water
closet accommodation, but arrangements were made for the
use of either a public convenience or a workshop adjoining.

No cases of infectious disease has occurred in connection
with Factory and Workshops.

FACTO KIES AND WORKSHOPS.

1. Inspection of Factories, Workshops, and Workplaces.
Inspections made by the Sanitary Inspectors.

Premises.

Number of

Inspections.

Written

Notices.

Prosecutions.

Factories

(including Factory Laundries) -

Nil

Workshops

(including Workshop ,, ) -

326

Workplaces

(other than Outworkers’ Premises)

...

Total

377

Nil

2. Defects Found in Factories, Workshops, and Workplaces.

N umber

of Defects.

Particulars.

Found.

Remedied

Referred to
H.M.
Inspector.

Prosecu¬

tions.

*Nuisances under the P.II. Acts —

Want of Cleanliness

Nil

Want of Ventilation

—

Overcrowding

—

Want of Drainage of Floors

. —

—

Other Nuisances

—

* —

—

— -

Insufficient

—

Sanitary

Accommo-

Unsuitable or Defective

—

dation

, Not Separate for Sexes

—

Illegal Occupation of Underground
Bakehouses

—

Total

107

103

Nil

* Including those specified in Sections 2, 3, 7 and 8 of the Factory and Work
shop Act, 1901, as remediable under the Public Health Acts.

THE PUBLIC HEALTH (SMOKE ABATEMENT)

ACT, 1927.

This Act which came into force on the 1st July of this
year should go a long way to improve the atmosphere of
towns especially in the industrial areas.

With certain exceptions it applies to all trades and
manufactories, and applies to any fireplace or furnace (except
private dwelling houses) which does not as far as practicable,
consume the smoke, soot, ash, grit or gritty particles arising
from the combustible used therein.

Fortunately we have very few chimneys that are likely to
give rise to trouble, but it would be as well if those firms that
use boilers for raising steam, or where appliances are used for
cooking and heating should consider the requirements of the
Act with a view of providing proper plant for preventing the
creation or emission of smoke, ash, grit, etc., and when pro¬
vided to see it is maintained in a state of efficiency.

With a view to uniformity and as a guide to the inspect¬
ors, bye-laws similar to those adopted by other local authorities

should be put in operation as well as bye-laws respecting new
buildings (Bee. 2 and 5 of the Act).

THEATRES, PICTURE PALACES, ETC.

Periodical inspections have been made of the public
places of entertainment with regard to the provision for
sanitary conveniences, lighting and ventilation and general
cleanliness.

Very little trouble is experienced in this regard as the
proprietors recognise the necessity of adequate sanitary
accommodation and cleanliness.

LOCAL AND ADOPTIVE ACTS IN FORCE IN

THE BOROUGH.

Practically all the Adoptive Acts and Kegulations have
been put in force by the Council, and where necessary bye¬
laws framed. The Local Acts are the Torquay Harbour and
District Act, 1886, and the Torquay Corporation Act, 1923.

HOUSING STATISTICS.

During the year the District Sanitary Inspectors have
inspected 326 separate dwellings, 122 of these being under
the Housing Act, 1925, while 26 notices were served to
remedy defects found. In this direction there is still some
difficulty encountered, many owners wish to obtain vacant
possession of the premises either with a view to sale, or to
relet at an increased rent, while many, no doubt, lack the
necessary means to carry out extensive alterations or repairs.

Then again a number of tenants have very little regard
for the rights of property, windows and doors are allowed to
slam, leading to broken glass and loosening of the frames and
plaster, drains and fittings are choked and knocked about,
floors broken with wood chopping and internal and external
plaster damaged, while cleanliness both in the house and
person, receive scant attention. This is borne out by the
experience of the Council houses, here no attempt appears to
be made by the occupiers to do minor repairs, hence the cost
of maintenance is a serious item during the course of a year.

During the period under review Closing Orders were made
in respect to No. 3 Temperance Street, Nos. 1 and 2 Foundry
Cottages, Swan Street, basement tenements Nos. 5 and 6
Happaway Court, and Cottage at rear of No. 6 Happaway
Court, and 1 and 2 Osborne Cottages, Lower Union Lane, also
a Cottage at Lawes Bridge.

As regards the latter, the Closing Order was held in
abeyance as accommodation at the Council’s Housing Estate
at Hele was not available. A Determining Order was granted
in respect to No. 6 Melville Street, and Demolition Orders
served respecting the property, Nos. 101 to 111 Babbacombe
Road. The question of the demolition of this block is under
discussion.

For the twelve months ending December 31st, 406
houses were completed, of which number 295 approximately
were suitable for occupation by members of the working
classes, of these 195 were erected by the Town Council and
the remainder by private enterprise, the majority of the
latter were erected with a view of sale, but owing to the
difficulty of finding purchasers a large number remain vacant,
and any that could be rented are quite beyond the means of
the working classes.

Houses Erected in the Borough Since 1919.

Year.

By private
individuals.

Town Council.

Suitable for members
of Working Classes.

1920

1921

1922

1923

1924

178

125

1925

359

331

1926

361

321

1927

211

195

295

Totals

1243

381

1271

Thus out of the total of 1271 houses suitable for members
of the working classes, 690 were “ Subsidy ” houses and 381
were erected by the Town Council.

The Town Council are at present building 20 more houses
on the Windmill Hill Estate, but these are earmarked for
re-housing those persons who will he disposessed under the
Pimlico Scheme.

It cannot be said that the provision of the above meets
the demand for houses to rent. I have still a number of
applications from persons living under difficult conditions, for
houses. The Corporation do not at present contemplate
erecting any more houses, and as there is not now the same
demand for purchasing houses, private builders will either
have to cease building operations or start erecting some to be
rented — if so, I am afraid an economic rent will not be
possible for most members of the working classes.

Pimlico Insanitary Area.

The Ministry of Health have now sanctioned the clearance
of this area. During the year the Public Valuer has been
busy in the valuation of the site areas and definite bargains
have been completed with the majority of the owners. There
still remain certain properties, which were excluded as not in
themselves insanitary, but yet are essential to be included in
the scheme. From the sums demanded for compensation it
will be necessary to resort to arbitration. This, I trust, will
not be prolonged, as the area has become most dilapidated
and overrun by rats.

Temperance Street and Lower Union Lane.

Most of this area has, during the year, been inspected
and particulars of the premises obtained. In view of the
possibility of having to recognise this as an insanitary area,
and before issuing notices to owners to repair, the Health
Committee have made a close inspection. They consequently
instructed the Surveyor to inspect and report what in his
opinion would be the most satisfactory method of dealing with
it. A great difficulty to be overcome is the housing of the
disposessed. Many of the tenants are fishermen, coal lumpers,
hawkers, etc., who can afford a few shillings for the rent
demanded here, but a rent of 10/- to 12/- would be quite
beyond them. In dealing with this area some solution of this
difficulty must be found.

VITAL STATISTICS OF WHOLE DISTRICT’ DURING 1927 AND PREVIOUS YEARS.

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Cases Notified During the Year 192

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◄

Small-pox

Cholera

Diphtheria, incl’d’g

Membranous croup

Erysipelas

Scarlet fever
Enteric fever
Typhus fever
Relapsing fever . .
Continued fever . .
Puerperal fever . .
Cerebro-spinal
Meningitis
Poliomyelitis
Ophthalmia

Neonatorum

Encephalitis
Eethargica
Pulmonary Tuber¬
culosis

Other forms of
Tuberculosis . .
Pneumonia
Malaria
Chicken-pox

Measles

Puerpural Pyrexia

Totals

Table III. CAUSES OF, AND AGES AT DEATH DURING THE

YEAR 1927. (see Notes next page).

Net deaths at the subjoined ages of Residents whether
occurring within or without the District.

Total Deaths
whether of
Residents or

Causes or Death.

non Residents

All

1 and

2 and

5 and

15 &

35 &

45 &

65 &

ages

under

up-

Institutions

15.

35.

45.

65.

wards

in the District

All 1 Certified

600

135

350

causes I Uncertified

—

— -

—

Enteric Fever

—

Small-pox . .

—

Measles

—

Scarlet Fever

—

Whooping-cough . .

—

■ — .

—

Diphtheria & Croup

—

' —

—

Influenza . .

—

Encephalitis

Lethargica . .

—

Meningococcal

Meningitis . .

—

Phthisis (Pulmonary

Tuberculosis)

—

Other Tuberculous

diseases . .

—

Cancer, malignant

disease

—

Rheumatic Fever . .

—

Diabetes . .

—

- —

Cerebral

Haemorrhage . .

—

Organic Heart

Disease . .

109

—

Arterio-Sclerosis ..

—

Bronchitis

—

Pneumonia, all forms

Other Diseases of

Respiratory Organs
Ulcer of Stomach or

—

Duodenum

—

_ _

Diarrhoea, etc.

(under 2 years) . .

—

Appendicitis and

Typhlitis

—

Cirrhosis of liver . .

—

Nephritis and

Bright’s Disease..

—

Puerperal Fever . .

—

Other accidents and

diseases of Preg¬
nancy and Partu¬
rition

Congenital Debility

and Malformation,
including Prema¬
ture Birth

Suicide

—

Violent Deaths, ex¬
cluding Suicide ..

—

Other Defined Dis-

eases

104

—

Diseases ill-defined

or unknown

—

— —

__ __

Polyiomyelitis

—

609

137

356

NOTES TO TABLE III.

The classification and numbering of Causes of Death are those of the
“ Short List ” on page XXV. of the Manual of the International
List of Causes of Death.

(a) All transferable deaths” of residents, i.e., of persons resident in
the district who have died outside it, are included with the other
deaths in columns 2 — 10. Transferable deaths of non-residents,
i.e., of persons resident elsewhere in England and Wales who
have died in the district, are in like manner excluded from these
columns.

The total deaths in column 2 of Table III. should equal the figures
for the year in column 12 of Table I.

(h) All deaths occurring in Institutions for the sick and infirm situated
in the district, whether of residents or non-residents are to be
entered in the last column of Table III.

inquest cases, are to be classed as “Certified,*” all other deaths
are to be regarded as “ Uncertified.”

(d) Deaths from Enteritis are included under Title 22, “ Diarrhoea, etc.
(under 2 years).

Table IV.

Infant Mortality during the Year 1927.

Nett Deaths from stated Causes at Various Ages under One Year of Age.

CO*

•

CO*

; CO

& *

445

4-3

1 ce

CAUSES OF DEATH.

H c

:■*= i

O ’H

r=S

r>;

r— I

r-H

4-3

! Eh

All ( Certified

Causes. 1 Uncertified..

1 5

/ Small-pox . .

Chicken-pox

—

^ Measles

—

, Scarlet Fever

—

"Whooping Cough . .

—

V Diphtheria and Croup ..

—

Erysipelas . .

—

Tuberculosis Meningitis . .

—

Abdominal Tuberculosis. .

L Other Tuberculosis

—

Diseases

—

Meningitis

( not Tuberculous J

—

Convulsions

Laryngitis ..

Bronchitis ..

•

Pneumonia (all forms) . .

—

j Diarrhoea . .

—

' Enteritis

—

Gastritis

—

Syphilis

—

Rickets

—

Suffocation, overlying

Injury at Birth

—

Atelectasis . .

Congenital Malforma-

tions . .

Premature Birth ..
Debility, Atrophy,

and Marasmus

Other Causes

Poliomyelitis

—

Totals

Nett Births in the year

Nett Deaths in the year

Legitimate

546

Illegitimate

Legitimate

Illegitimate

Nil

BOROUGH OF TORQUAY

Meteorological Report

FOR THE YEAR 1927.

WITH EXTREMES AND COMPARISON WITH
AVERAGES OF PRECEDING YEARS.

C. BELLINGER, F.R. Met. Soc„

Borough Meteorologist

February, 1928.

Borough Observatory,

Princess Pier,

Torquay

To His Worship the Mayor , Aldermen and Councillors

of the Borough of Torquay.

Gentlemen,

I beg to submit the following Meteorological Report
for the year 1927.

Observations have been taken twice daily throughout
the year, at 9 a.rn., and 5 p.m. (Local Time), and at 10 a.m.
and 6 p.m. during Summer Time. The Readings at 9 a.m.
have been posted each morning at the Observatory,
Princess Pier, and various stations in the town ; also at
St. Mary-Church Town Hall. The Evening Readings
have been telegraphed, as usual, in code to the Meteoro¬
logical Office, London, from whence they are distributed
to the various Press Agencies for publication in the
morning papers. During the Summer Season, morning
telegrams were also sent to the Meteorological Office,
giving particulars of the weather at 9 a.m. This informa¬
tion was published in several of the evening newspapers.

Press telegrams are forwarded to the “ Western
Morning News and Mercury ” and “ Torbay Herald and
Express ” every morning. The Weekly Reports, besides
being sent to the Meteorological Office, are also forwarded
to. the “ Torquay Times ” and “ Torquay Directory,” as well
as several private individuals.

A weekly and monthly review of the type of weather
experienced is published in the “ Torquay Directory,”
“ Torquay Times,” and “ Torbay Herald and Express.”

As in past years, the Monthly Report, which shows
comparison with previous years, is published in the local
papers ; also posted up at the Observatory and other

places in the town. Copies are also forwarded to the
Royal Meteorological Society, British Rainfall Organi¬
sation, and the Torquay Natural History Society. A
separate Monthly Report, giving our twenty-seven
instrumental and other readings twice daily, is sent to
the Meteorological Office, London.

The daily, weekly, and monthly records exhibited at
the Observatory with the self-recording Thermograph and
Barograph, are a source of considerable interest to visitors,
for it is quite a common sight during the summer months
to see fifteen to twenty persons reading the records dis¬
played and commenting on the amount of sunshine and
temperature experienced here compared with other places.
Many visitors, before planning their daily itinerary, wait
for the daily forecast to be posted.

The scheme of insurance initiated by the Pluvias
Insurance Company and various newspapers and journals
leads to a careful study of the daily rainfall, and many
applications have been received for copies of our rainfall
statistics.

The observations are also published, with others
relating to the County of Devon, in the Annual “ Climate
of Devon ” Report by the Devonshire Association.

Numerous private enquiries, newspaper articles, etc.,
concerning the climate here have also been replied to
during the year.

Considerably over a thousand telegrams, reports and
communications have been despatched.

I am, Gentlemen,

Yours obediently,

C. BELLINGER.

OBSERVATORY AND INSTRUMENTS.

Torquay is situated in North Latitude, 50°28, and
West Longitude, 3°31. The town faces south-west being
situated on the shores of Torbay. Many parts of the town
lie on hills 200 to 250 feet above sea level, from which
magnificent views of Torbay and Dartmoor can be
obtained.

The geographical position of these hills is so situated
as to protect the town from the cold winds of the north
and east, while the River Dart to the west and south¬
west, the River Teign to the north, and the Bay to the
south, have such a steadying effect on the climate that
extremes of temperature are rare.

The Observatory is organised and maintained by the
Town Council, and is under the supervision of the Meteoro¬
logical Office,* Air Ministry, London.

The several Barometers, Thermometers, and Rain
Guages have been verified at Kew Observatory, and are
regularly observed by an Inspector on the staff of the
Meteorological Office. Readings are all corrected for
instrumental errors.

The Hygrometrical Results are deducted from the
daily morning readings of the Dry and Wet Bulb Ther¬
mometers by means of Regnault’s Tables.

The averages for Sunshine are the result of 28 years,
for Temperature and Rainfall of 51 years, and for Pressure
of 43 years’ observations.

The following are the instruments and appliances in
regular use, those being marked by an asterisk being the
property of the Torquay Natural History Society, and lent
by them to the town : —

*The Barometer is a Fortin standard, and is read
twice daily. All readings are corrected for Temperature
and reduced to sea level.

Two Barographs. One is placed in the window
of the Observatory, and the one presented by the late
Sir Thomas Bazley, Bart., is exhibited at the entrance to
the Pavilion.

A Thermograph is also placed in the window of
the Observatory.

Two sets of Stevenson’s Screens, each containing
Dry and Wet Bulb and Maximum and Minimum
Thermometers. One of these sets is at Cary Green
where the official Temperatures for the Meteorological
Office have been taken, and the other is now placed in
Abbey Park Gardens Observatory.

Rain Gauges are of the Snowdon pattern. They
are placed, one on Cary Green, where official records are
taken, and another in Abbey Park Gardens Observatory.

Grass Minimum Thermometer, placed in Cary
Green and Abbey Park Gardens Observatory.

Sunshine Recorder is a Curtis improved Camp-
bell-Stokes instrument. This is situated on the cover
shelter at the Southern end of the Princess Pier deck.
The Sunshine Cards are forwarded at month ends to the
Meteorological Office for examination and verification.

A 4ft. earth Thermometer is placed in the Abbey
Park Gardens Observatory.

ANNUAL REPORT, 1927.

The general character of the weather for the year has been
its cloudiness, breeziness, slightly cooler temperatures, and more
rain than usual.

The mean temperature, 51.8°F. is 0.6° below last year’s
value, although slightly cooler on the year’s values, is 3.7°F.
above the average of 51 years. The summer months, July,
August and September were disappointing, and recorded
temperatures below the average, being less sunny than usual by
an excess cloud amount, and cooled by the freshness of the
breezes from the W., N.W. and S.E., and more rain days! Other
months which were colder than usual and recorded temperatures
below the average, were January, February and December.
January was more sunny and with an average amount of cloud,
but with more rain days. February was less sunny and same
as regards cloud, but with less rain days, but December was a
record month for dullness and coldness, but with less rain days,
a good amount of snow fell on the 26th-27th, but did not lay
long. The months which recorded temperatures above the
average were March, April, May, October and November, these
months also recorded sunshine above the average, but March
and November had an over number of rain days, and April,
May and October a lesser number. The highest shade
temperature was 75.2°F. on July 10th, and the lowest 29.5°F.
on January 20th.

The total sunshine was 1650 40 hours, which is 48.88 hours
less than last year's total, and 138.0 hours below the average
for 28 years. The sunniest month was June, 236.20 hours, and
the sunniest day May 17th, 14.30 hours. The number of days
on which sunshine was recorded was 301, against 298 last year.
The months showing a deficiency of sunshine were February,
April, July, August, September and December.

The total rainfall was 36,57 inches, which is 4.93 inches
more than last year, and 2.73 inches above the average for 51
years. There was an excess of rainfall in seven months, viz. : —
January, February, March, July, August, September and
December, the latter month recording the highest amount, 4.54
inches, it was not the wettest month, because over 4 inches of
this total fell in six days, and the remaining quantity spread
over seven days. September records the next largest amount,
4.48 inches, with 21 wet days, which gives it the credit of
being the wettest month. May, with 0.43 inch, which was
much below the average, was the driest month of the year.

The barometric pressure was generally lower, being 0.552
inches lower than the average for 43 years. February, April,
May, October and November were the only months to record
pressure above the average. The highest corrected value was
30.600 inches on January 10th, and the lowest value 28.814
inches on December 22nd, giving an extreme range of pressure
of 1.117 inches. The prevailing winds were from the N.W., W.,
SAV., S.E. and E., very turbulent at times, records of gale
force being observed other than at observations, but the mean

force for the year was about 4, which is moderate.

. . - { » 1 *

The range of visibility has again been very good indeed.
The fogs which are experienced being sea mists of varying
intensity and of short duration.

The mean percentage of possible relative humidity of 81,
is above the average, and is arrived at by the use of Regnault’s
Tables for computing the above value.

The total eclipse of the sun, visible as a partial eclipse at
Greenwich, was not visible locally owing to the sky being clouded
at the time of the eclipse.

The total eclipse' of the moon on December 8th was seen
locally.

On making comparisons with other resorts in all its aspects,
it is an undoubted fact that Torquay is one of the sunniest
towns in the British Isles, and does enjoy rightly the title of a
“ climate both sunny and equable.” No more striking evidence
of this can be given than the bad weather of the last month of
the year, when severe extremes of weather were being
experienced both near and far, yet Torquay’s experiences were
only about half as severe.

Observations have been discontinued in the Princess
Gardens Observatory on my recommendation, owing to the
enclosed nature of the site, and the growth of trees. The
Corporation has decided to transfer the Observatory to Abbey
Park Gardens, which is an excellent and open site. As well as
the Thermometer Screens and Grass Minimum Thermometer,
there will be the 4ft. Ground Thermometer, a Rain Gauge, and
the Ozone Record, will be taken there.

It has also been decided that a Rain Gauge is to be placed
at a suitable place on Babbacombe Downs,

I thought it would be au advantage to have Rainfall
records from two distinct places and elevations. These new
Observatory’s will he ready for use early in the New Year.

Another new and important addition to the Records of
Torquay is the observation of Ultra Violet Radiation of Sunlight,
this has been brought about by the Medical Officer of Health
Department of the Corporation, who have been experimenting
for some time to gather the extent of these health-giving rays
in the atmosphere of Torquay, the method adopted being that
of a standard solution of Acetone Methylene Blue, contained in
a 3 mm. quartz phial, which is bleached by the rays on being
exposed to the light, and the result compared with a standard
color. The results were encouraging and the Medical Department
wished it to he more extensively and regularly observed in
different situations, and elicited the interest of the Borough
Meteorologist, who readily consented to assist in this important
work which began in July and has been continued ever since.
The results have been even more satisfactory, and sufficient to
justify the interest of the Publicity Committee of the Corporation
who saw fit to have the result of each day’s readings sent to the
“ Times ” newspaper for publication in their next day’s issue,
which has been done. Torquay is therefore one of the few
towns reporting regular observations to the Physical Research
Committee, under Professor Leonard Hill, F.R.S., and the
results compare extremely favourably with the results of the
other towns.

JANUARY

So unlike the previous month, the weather of the New
Year opened dull and cold, and the conditions during the whole
month were more or less showery, with mild and very cold
periods. The record of sunshine was above the average ; as also
the rainfall ; the temperature being an average.

From the 1st, pressure began to fall and showery weather
was predominant to the 6th ; on the 8th pressure rose rapidly
to 30.500 inches by the 10th, during this period and to the 12th
the weather was dry and fine, with au higher temperature, the
rise in pressure was of short duration, for by the 14th it had
dropped to 29.325 inches, and with the exception of a
temporary rise to 30. 168 inches on the 19th, the pressure remained
unsteady for the rest of the month, the 18th and 1 9th were the
two best days of the month, being dry and cold ; the 19th
giving the most sunshine, from this day to the end of the

month the conditions were unsettled and showery with par¬
ticularly heavy rains on the nights of the 20th (with hail and
snow) and the 2<Sth, which recorded 1.26 inches. There was a
great fall of temperature from the 13th to the 22nd, the
maximum temperature falling to 39. 5°F, and the minimum
temperature 29.5°F, there was a northerly current, and snow
and sleet showers were experienced on the 13th and 21st.
Warmer weather again prevailed from the 23rd to the 29th,
but the last two days were cold.

The sunshine of 67.80 hours, was 13.35 hours above last
year’s total, and 5.23 hours above the average of 28 years. The
greatest daily amount was 7.60 hours on the 19th. There were
6 sunless days, and the mean daily amount of cloud was 6.3.
Although the sunshine average is good, we have many times
recorded over 80.00 hours.

The rainfall of 3.97 inches was less than last year by 1 .68
inches, but above the average of 51 years by 0 60 inches. The
heaviest fall was 1.37 inches on the 28th.

The mean temperature, 43.6°F, was less by 1.2° than last
year, and 0.8° below the average of 51 years.

The mean maximum temperature, 48.2°F, was 0,6° below
last year’s mean, as was the mean minimum temperature of
39.0°F, 1.9° below. The highest maximum temperature was
55.0°F, outlie 9th, and the lowest minimum temperature, 29.5°F,
on the 20th. The minimum temperature was below 32.0°F,
on two occasions only. The mean daily range was 9.2°F
There was ground frost on nine occasions, when the grass
minimum temperature recorded 30.5°F, and below.

The atmospheric pressure was unsteady throughout the
month, but was highest the first 12 days. The mean pressure
of the month, corrected to sea level was 29.856 inches, which is
0.210 inches below the average of 43 years. Highest corrected
reading was 30.600 inches on the 10th, and the lowest, 29.233
inches, on the 15th ; giving an extreme range of pressure
of 1.367 inches.

The wind force was for the most part moderate to
fresh, but notably from the 24th to the 28th, very high winds
to gales were experienced from the south west and S.S.E., the
weather being very cyclonic. The prevailing winds were from
the N.W., W. and S.W., and records show that it blew from
the West 11 times, N.W. 16, S.W. 9, W.S.W. 6, W.N. W. 7.

The mean humidity of the atmosphere was 87% ; the mean
daily amount of ozone at 9 a.m., 66%.

Hail was recorded on four days ; thunder, once ; fog. 4 days ;
ground frost, nine days ; snow or sleet, twice ; gales, at four
observations

FEBRUARY.

The weather of the month was more normal, and in striking
contrast to last year, when it was so mild. There was a fair
amount of sunshine, but it was much below the average month
of 80 hours and over. Barring a few slight rainfalls on five out
of the first seven days of the month, the weather was practically
dry, and fine up to the 18th, high pressure persisting to this;
date ; the weather was mild to the 8th, but very cold from this
date to the 13th, and the 16th, 17th and 18th, then mild again
to the end of the month. There were snow and sleet showers
on the 1 3 til and 21st. From the 19th onwards, conditions
became unsettled, with a decided and quick fall in pressure
from 30.300 inches on the 19th, to 29.050 inches on the 22nd,
the pressure remaining low and unsteady to the end of the
month, the weather being decidedly cyclonic, gales from the
S.S.E. and S.W., with heavy rain, being recorded on the 22nd,
26th, 27th, 28th. A fine month with the exception of the
last nine days.

The total sunshine of 66.36 hours, was 16.24 hours more
than last year, but 18.20 hours below the average of 28 years.
The greatest daily amount was 8.00 hours — on the 6th. The
number of sunless days were seven, and the mean daily amount
of cloud, 7.6. The total duration of sunshine to date is 134.16
hours and hundredths, which is 12.97 hours below the average
of 28 years for two months. -

The total rainfall of 3.27 inches, is 0.09 inches more than
last year, and 0-35 inches more than the average of 51 years.
'The heaviest falls were during the days and nights of the 22nd
and 23rd, the greatest night fall being 0.52 inches on this date.
The number of days of rainfall was 15. The total rainfall to
date is 7.24 inches, being 0.95 inches in excess of the average of
51 years for two months.

Atmospheric pressure was high from the 3rd to the 19th,
and low for the rest of the month. The mean of the month
corrected to sea level was 30.059 inches, which was above the
average of 43 years by 0.088 inches. The highest corrected
reading was 30.577 inches, on the 7th, and the lowest, 29 186
inches, on the 23rd, giving an extreme range of pressure of
1.391 inches. ■

The mean force of wind was high to moderate, and
the prevailing winds blew from the N.E., S. W. and W., as
the following records of principal observations show — N. 7, E. 6,
W. 5, S.W. 5, S.S.W. 5, W.S.W.4. The wind forces were
greatest from the 20th to the end of the month. Gale force
being recorded four days from the S.S.E., and S.W.

The mean temperature of 43.0°F, was 5.0°F less than last
year, but 0.3° less than the average of 51 years. The mean
maximum temperature of 48.1°F, and mean minimum temper¬
ature of 38.0°F, were respectively 3.6° and 6.5° less than last
year’s mean. The highest maximum temperature, 54 7°F, was
on the 27th, and the lowest, 31.0°F, on the lltli. Lowest
maximum temperature, 38 1°F, on the 8th, and the highest
minimum temperature, 49.0°F, on the 28th. The mean of
daily range being 10.1° and 1 . 1 Q above the mean average of
16 years. There was only one record of the minimum
temperature being below 32.0°F.

The mean of humidity per cent, was 85, being on average
with the past 1 6 years.

The mean daily amount of ozone at 9 a.m. was 56 per cent.

There was sea fog at observations on the 11th, 12th, 13th,
14th, 15th and 17th of only short duration, otherwise the
visibility was good.

Ground frost was recorded on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 11th and
12th, indicating that the grass minimum temperature was 30.5°
and below ; the lowest reading was 26.0° on the lltli.

MARCH.

The weather of the month was better than the rainfall
record indicates. The first ten days were showery, and a greater
amount fell daily during the last ten days, but fortunately the
bulk of the fall was at night. From the lltli to the 20th was
practically a dry period. A great number of the days were fine
and sunny, which, together with the temperatures above the
average, made the conditions quite pleasant and springlike.
The weather of the month can be described as fine, sunny and
generally mild, but with a rainfall above the average.
The coldest part of the month was from the lltli to the
16th, and the warmest from the 18th to the 23rd, during which
time truly springlike weather occurred ; the 20th and 21st being
exceptionally fine, sunny and warm, and it is noteworthy that

although there was daily rainfall and cyclonic conditions at
times the daily mean of sunshine from the 19th to the end of
the mouth was 5^ hours. On the whole the temperatures were
fairly equable and constant. Pressure was high from the 11th
to the 20th, reaching its highest at 30.431 inches on the 19th ;
only 0 03 inches of rain fell during this period, and the wind was
from E.N.E., E. and S.E. duriug this period, but from the S.W.,
W., and N. W. for the rest of the month.

The total sunshine for the month was 140,90 hours and
hundredths, being 39.20 hours more than last year, aud 3.91
hours above the average of 28 years. The greatest daily
amount was 9.90 hours on the 20th, and no sunless days.
Mean daily cloud amount, 6.4. The total duration of bright
sunshine to date is 275.06 hours, which is 7.06 below the
average of 28 years for three months.

Total rainfall of 3.93 inches, is 3.12 inches more than last
year’s total, which was extraordinarily small, but the difference
n the average of 51 years shows an excess of 1.28 inches. The
greatest fall was on the 22nd, 0-75 inches ; there were 23 days of
measurable rainfall. The total rainfall to date is 11,17 inches,
which is 2.23 inches in excess of the average of 51 years for
three months.

The atmospheric pressure was irregular during the first 10
and last 10 days, and there was a depression of 1 J inches in the
period from 20th — 25th. Pressure was high in the middle
period of month, the highest reading corrected to mean sea level
being 30.431 inches on the 19th, and the lowest reading 28.911
inches on the 25th, giving an extreme range of pressure of
1.520 inches. Winds were from the S.W., W. and N.W.
Cyclonic conditions were experienced on the 23rd, 25th, 30th
aud 31st, with heavy rain.

Temperatures were above the average, the mean temperature,
47.6°F, being 0.9° above last year, and 3.3° in excess of the
average of 51 years. The mean maximum temperature of
52.2°F, and the mean minimum temperature of 43.1°F, is
respectively 0 7° and 1.2° more than last year. The highest
shade temperature was recorded on the 18th, 58.6°F, and the
lowest, 36. 0°F, on the lltli. The lowest maximum temperature,
46.9°F, on 14th, and the highest minimum temperature,
50.0°F, on the 22nd. The mean daily range of Temperature
was 9.1°F, which is 1.7° less than the mean average of the past
16 years. There were only three ground frosts.

rfhe mean temperature of the dry bulb thermometer was
48.3°F.

The mean humidity of the air at 9 a.m. 83 per cent., and
5 p.m. 76 per cent., giving a mean of 79 per cent., which is one
per cent, above the mean of the past 16 years.

The mean daily amount of ozone at 9 a.m. was 76 per cent.

The prevailing winds were from the S.W., W. and N.W.,
and records at observation show that it was blowing from the
S.W. 10 times, N.W. 14, W. 9, W.S.W. 7, S.E. 7. The mean
force being moderate to fresh. Gale forces were recorded on
the 23rd, 25th, 30th and 3 1st from S.W , W. and N.W.

Hail showers on 10th, 25th, 27th, 30th ; thunder, once on
24th ; fog, once on 20th. ; ground frost, 10th, 11th, 28th ; the
visibility was good throughout.

APRIL.

The weather of the month was fine, sunny and dry for the
most part, with temperature above the average, but cooler than
last year. As showing the dryness of the air, the relative
humidity was as low as 56, 58, 61, 63 and 64 per cent. The
main rainfall occurred during the first eight days, during which
period pressure was rather irregular owing to secondaries passing
in quick succession, but improved by the 10th, and reached its
highest value on the 13th, 30.420 inches, after a temporary fall
of 0.465 inches on the 14th and 15th ; an equal rise quickly
took place on the 16th, and from this date to the 22ud the
influence of an anticyclone gave us very fine weather, but from
the 22nd pressure began to fall slowly until by the 25th it had
fallen to 29.684 inches ; with a little deterioration in the con¬
ditions there being a slight rainfall, and fresh to strong winds
to gale force from the W.S.W., W., N.W., on the 22nd, 23rd
and 24th, but on the 26th pressure again improved to 29.905
inches, and was maintained to the end of the month, the last
two days being extremely fine and sunny, there being over 13
hours on the 30th. The warmest period was from the 13th to
the 23rd, and the coolest the first three days, and from the 8th
to the 12th accentuated with north and north-east winds, and
moderate from the 24th to the end of month.

The total sunshine of 179.56 hours, was 13.66 hours more
than the total for last year, and 4.08 hours less than the average
of 28 years. The greatest daily amount was 13-50 hours on the
30th. The number of sunless days two, the mean daily amount
of cloud 5.9, and the total duration of bright sunshine to date
is 454.62 hours, which is 11.14 hours less than the average of
28 years for four months.

The total rainfall of 2.13 inches is 0.13 inches less than
last year, and 0.10 inches less than the average of 51 years.
'I'he greatest fall was on the 6th, 0.95 inches, and the number
of days of precipitation 13. The total rainfall to date is 13 30
inches, which is 2.13 inches in excess of the average of 51 years
for four months

Atmospheric pressure was low and irregular for the first ten
days, and high for the rest of the month with the exception of
temporary depressions on the 14th, 15th and 27th. The mean
pressure corrected to sea level was 30 013 inches, which is
0.099 inches above the average of 43 years. The highest
corrected reading was 30 420 inches, on the 13th, and the
lowest, 29.423 inches, on the 9th, giving an extreme range of
pressure of 0 997 inches.

The mean force of wind was moderate, but the wind blew
strong to gale force on the 22nd to the 25th from the west and
north-west. The main wind current was from the West 10 times,
North-West 12, N.N.W. 7, N.N.E. 5, S.E. 5.

Temperature was above the average, but cooler than last
year. The mean temperature of 49.2°F, was 1.1° below last
year, but 1.1° in excess of the average of 51 years. The mean
maximum temperature of 55.2°F, was 0.9° less than last year.
The highest shade temperature of 67.3°F, was recorded on the
21st, and the lowest maximum temperature, 48.2°F, on the 2nd.
The mean minimum temperature of 43.2°F, was 1.3° less than
last year. The lowest shade temperature of 36 .0° F was recorded
on the 2nd and 27th inst., and the highest minimum temperature,
50.0° F, on the 22nd. The mean daily range was 12.0°.

The number of days on which ground frost occurred, i.e.,
grass minimum therm at 30-5° F or below was two, on the 2nd
and 27th.

The mean temperature of dry bulb thermometer, 50.9° F.

The mean humidity of the air at 9 a.m. 74 per cent , and at
5 p.m. 71 per cent.

The mean daily amount of ozone at 9 a.m., 70 per cent.

Hail was recorded once on the 8th.

The range of visibility was very good indeed.

MAY.

The weather for the month can be described as dry, sunny,
and generally warm. The cool ending of April continued for the
first few days of May, but by the 4th temperature rose, and by
the 6th the dry bulb recorded 63.0°F, and the maximum, 71.0PF,
quite summerlike weather prevailed to the 10th, after which for
a few days the temperature dropped below 55.0° air, and around
60.0° maximum temperature to as low as 47.8° air, 54.0° maxi¬
mum and 42.0 minimum on the lltli, after which date the
temperature became generally higher and more equable to the
end of the month. The sunniest part of the month was from
the 16th to the 25th, with a daily average of 11.14 hours, and
the warmest from the 5th to the 9th and 20th to 28th.
Pressure for the most part has been 30.000 inches and
above.

The total sunshine of 229.28 hours was 32.38 hours more
than last year’s total, and 3.98 hours above the average of 28
years. The greatest amount in one day was 14.30 hours on the
17th, there was only one sunless day, and the mean daily
amount of cloud was five. The total duration of sunshine to date
is 683.90 hours, which is 7.16 hours below the average for 28
years for five months.

The total rainfall, 0.43 inches, is 0.40 inches less than last
year’s total, and 1.50 inches less than the average of 51 years.
The greatest fall of 0.18 inches was on the 3rd inst., and the
number of rain days were eight, which is five less than last year,
and 10 less than the previous three years. The total rainfall to
date is 13.73 inches, which is 0.63 inches above the average of
51 years for five months.

The mean temperature ol 56.0° F was 4.0° in excess of last
year’s mean, and 2.4° above the average of 51 years. The mean
maximum temperature was 62.0° F, is also 4.0° higher than last
year, and the highest temperature recorded was 71.0° F, on the
7th, and the lowest maximum temperature, 51 .2° F, on the 1st.
The mean minimum temperature was 50.0° F, which was 4.0°
more than last year. The lowest temperature was 42.0°F.,
recorded on the 12th and 14th inst , and the highest minimum
temperature, 58-0° F, was recorded on the 1st inst. The mean
daily range was 12.0° F, which was the same as last year.

The mean temperature of the air (dry bulb) was 57.6°F,

The atmospheric pressure was for the most part high
throughout the month, the lowest pressures being about the 4th
and last two days of the month. The mean of pressure reduced
to sea level was 30.055 inches, which is 0.079 inches above the
average of 43 years. The highest corrected reading was 30.439
inches on the 11th, and the lowest, 29.629 inches, on the 31st,
giving an extreme range of pressure, 0.810 inches.

The wind, which was mainly from an Eastern quarter, was
light to fresh in force, but an extreme force to gale was ex¬
perienced from the S.E. on the nights of 2nd and 3rd, aud
from the West on the 1 6th . Records show that the direction of
the wind taken at observations was from the S.E. 11, E. 9,
N.W. 7, E.S.E. 5, S.S.E. 5 times.

The mean of relative humidity at 9 a m. was 79 per cent.,
and at 5 p.m. 75 per cent.

The mean daily amount of ozone at 9 a.m,, 60 per cent.

The range of visibility was extremely good, and on only one
occasion was there fog (31st inst.), which was from the sea, and
of short duration, and on a few occasions a little morning mist.

The weather of the month was generally good throughout,

JUNE.

The weather of the month was again cooler than the
average, due in a great measure to the prevalence of fresh to
strong winds from the west and north west. Sunshine was a
little above the average of 28 years, but considerably below last
year’s total. The first half of the month was finer, drier and
cooler, and the second half less settled, showery and warmer, the
temperatures being more equable in this half. The rainfall was
a little lower than the average, and much less than last year’s
total. With the exception of the 16th when there was a fall of
j of an inch, the general amount of fall was small in quantity,
but occurred on a much greater number of days than the
average. Pressure of the atmosphere was slightly below the
average, was low at the start, but became higher and more
constant between the 5th and 15th, after which date it was
rather irregular, rising to its highest point on the 22nd and
dropping to its lowest on the 30th, during this period there was
a frequency of showers and high winds, which reached gale force
on the 6th, 18th, 24th and 26th instant. Apart from sea fog of
short duration on the 13th, 16th and 25th, the range of
visibility was excellent.

The total sunshine for the month was 236.20 hours, being
46.30 hours less than last year’s total, but 2.70 hours above the
average of 28 years. The greatest daily amount was 13.90 hours
on the 13th, there were no sunless days, and the mean daily
cloud amount was 5.4. The total sunshine to date is 920.10
hours, which is 4.40 hours less than the average for 28 years for
six months. In 1921 the record was 303.90 hours ; 1925, 349.20
hours.

The total rainfall for the month was 1.87 inches, which was
1.40 inches below last year’s total, and 0.04 inch below the
average of 51 years, the greatest fall was on the 16th, viz., 0.76
inch, and there were 17 days on which rain fell, 11 of which
recorded 0.04 inch and upwards, the number of days of fall
being much in excess of the average. The total rainfall to date
is 15.60 inches, being 0.59 inch in excess of the average of 51
years for six months.

The mean atmospheric pressure reduced to sea level, was
29.994 inches, which is 0.079 inches below the average of 43 years.
The highest corrected reading was 30.309 inches on the 22 nd
inst., and the lowest, 29.562 inches on the 30th, giving an
extreme range of pressure of 0.747 inches. The mean force of
the wind was moderate, but during the first week, and from the
16th to the 27th, the force of wind was from fresh to high, and
recorded gale force on the 6th, 18th, 24th and 26th, the
prevailing wind was N.W. and West, and the records show that
it was blowing from the North-West at 17 observations, West 10,
West North-West 7, West South-West 4, S. East 6. Pressure
more constant first half, irregular second half.

The mean temperature was 57.0°F, being 0.1p below last
year’s mean, and 1.5° below the average of 51 years. The
mean maximum temperature was 64.0° F, being 0.9° below
last year’s mean. The highest shade temperature was
71.7°F. on the 1st, and the lowest maximum temperature 57.3° F
on the 7th. The mean minimum temperature was 51.0° F, being
0.2° below last year’s mean. The lowest shade temperature was
45 5° on the 8th, and the highest minimum temperature 57.3°
on the 21st. With a mean maximum temperature of 64.° 0
and minimum temperature of 51. o 0, gave a mean daily range of
13 0°, which is 1.0° less than the average of 14.0°

The mean temperature of the dry bulb was 59.4°F. The
mean humidity of the atmosphere was 75%, being 77% at 9 a.m.
and 73% at 5 p.m. readings, which is greater than the average
of 70%.

The mean ground temperature, 4ft. deep was 57.0°F, whilst
the highest temperature was 58.2° F, and the lowest 55.3° F.

The mean daily amount of ozone at 9 a.m. was 64%.

JULY.

The cool and unsettled weather prevailing at the end of
June continued into the present month with irregular low
pressure, low temperature and rainy conditions, particularly so
on the 4th and 5th, which was the coldest period of the month,
there was not any effectual improvement until the 9th, when
there was a gradual rise in pressure, continuous to the 15th,
from 29.695 inches on the 9th to 30.225 inches on the 15th and
16th, which was the highest pressure for the month. Conditions
were auticyelonic from the 13th to the 19th, with wind mainly
from the S.E., the weather being drier in fact, from the 7th to
the 18th rain fell on one day only. The temperature was
generally speaking moderate, the highest maximum recorded
being 75.2°F on the 11th, aud round about this date there was
an heat wave, which recorded a maximum temperature of over
70.0°F on four consecutive days, aud the lowest minimum
temperature recorded was 52.4° on the 18th, with these
exceptions temperatures were in the main consistently moderate,
but the coolest period appearing to be in the first week, and the
warmest in the second week. The deficiency of sunshine was
very marked, and on only three occasions did the amount
exceed 10 hours. The rainfall was greater than usual, although
July is always unreliable, it has during the past seven years
recorded under one inch of rain on three occasions, and as much
as 4.16 inches on another occasion, nevertheless this month the
number of days on which rain fell has been slightly exceeded,
the first six and the last nine days were changeable periods, rain
more or less falling on consecutive days, the rainiest days being
the 1st, 4th and 26th, recording .30, .43 and .53 of an inch
respectively, the wind during these unsettled periods was
principally from the S. W., fresh to strong and to gale force, being
decidedly so on the morning of the 4th. The humidity of the
atmosphere was greater than the average. The range of
visibility was very good indeed. Thunder was heard on one
occasion only.

The total amount of sunshine for the month was 172.40
hours and hundredths, being 62.10 hours below last year’s total,
and 62.24 less than the average of 28 years. The greatest daily
amount was 13.70 hours on the 17th, there were two sunless

days. The mean daily was 5.56 hours. The mean daily amount
of cloud was 6.8 against an average of 5. The total sunshine to
date is 1092.50 hours, which is 66.64 hours less than the average
for 28 years for seven months.

The total rainfall of 2.52 inches is 1.93 inches more than
last year’s total, and 0.31 inches above the average of 51 years.
The greatest fall was .53 inch on the 26th, and the total
number of days on which rain fell was 15. The total rainfall to
date is 18 12 inches, being 0.90 inch above the average of 51
years for seven months.

The mean pressure, reduced to sea level was 29.889 inches,
which is 0.116 less than the average of 43 years. The highest
corrected reading was 30.225 inches on the 15th and 16th, and
the lowest corrected reading on the 1st, 29 46 7 inches, giving an
extreme range of pressure of 0.752 inches. Pressure was high
in the middle of the month, and low and unsteady first, and
larger and deeper depressions during the last 10 days, during
which periods winds were very fresh and strong to gale force from
the S.W. and W., there was a greater frequency of S.E. wind in
the finer period. Records show that it blew from this direction
13 times, West 8. S,W. 7, S.8.W. 6, W.S.W. 5.

The mean temperature of 62.5°F, was 1.5° less than last
year’s mean, but 0.7° above the average of 51 years. The mean
maximum temperature was 67. 6Q, which was 2.4° below last
year’s mean. The highest shade temperature, 75.2° on the 10th,
and the lowest maximum temperature, 61.1° on the 4th. The
mean minimum temperature was 57.5°F., being 0.5° below last
year’s mean. The lowest shade temperature was 52.4° on the
18th, and the highest minimum temperature 62.0° on the 10th,
showing a mean daily range of 10.1°, which is 2.0° less than the
average.

The mean daily temperature (dry bulb), was 63.8° F.

The mean humidity of the atmosphere was 79 per cent.,
being above the average of the past few years of 73 per cent.

The mean humidity was 83 per cent, at 9 a.m., and 75 per
cent, at 5 p.m.

The mean daily amount of ozone was 42 per cent.

Mean daily units ultra-violet rays by acetone methylene
blue gauge method, 6,

AUGUST.

The climatic conditions for the major portion of the month
have been unsatisfactory ; the first few days and the last week
were the best periods, being under an high pressure system, the
highest for the month, and for the rest of the month, the
conditions have been changeable, with frequent rain, much wind,
and generally low temperature ; this unsettled state is accounted
for by the persistent low and irregular pressure which prevailed
from the 6th to the 24th inst. There has been a great deficiency
of sunshine, and only on seven days was there a record of over
10 hours. The rainfall was much in excess of the average, but
quite fortunately the main quantity fell during the night time,
and only on one day, the 20th inst., did it rain all the day with a
record of .41 inches, the other fairly heavy falls during the day
time were . 1 1 inches on the 13th and 18th, and ,06 inches on the
24th inst., on other days only intermittent showers fell. These
abnormal conditions, together with the breezy S.W., W., and
N.VV. winds, which reached gale force on five days, and strong
to high winds on other days, had an adverse effect on maritime
pleasures, notably on the 22nd inst. ; these conditions also
affected the general temperature, wdiich was for the period, 5th
to the 15th, fairly equable and warm, and although high maxi¬
mum temperature was recorded in the early days there was
greater extremes of temperature which was also experienced from
the 15th to the 25th, after which, there was a general rise in
temperature to the end of the month.

The weather of the month can be described as cloudy, cool,
showery, breezy.

The range of visibility was extremely good ; there were
varying degrees of mist, but real fog wras only experienced once,
on the 31st inst.

Thunder was heard on the 18th and 24th.

The mean relative humidity was 81 per cent.

The mean of ozone at 9 a.m., 52 per cent.

The total sunshine recorded was 196.90 hours, being 29.80
hours less than last year, and 1 5.36 hours less than the average for
28 years. The greatest daily amount was 12.40 hours, on the
3rd and 1 2th inst. There was only one sunless day. The mean
daily amount of cloud was 6.4. The total duration of sunshine
to date is 1289.40 hours, which is 82.00 hours less than the
average for 28 years for eight months.

The total rainfall recorded was 3.56 inches, which was 2. 64
inches in excess of last year’s total, and 0.89 inches in excess of
the average for 51 years. The greatest fall was 0.75 inches on the
17th inst, ; there were 20 days on which rain fell, and on 17 of
which a quantity exceeding 0.04 inches fell, The total rainfall
to date is 21.68 inches, being 1.79 inches in excess of the
average for 51 years.

The mean height of atmospheric pressure reduced to sea
level was 29.885 inches, which is 0.093 inclies less than the
average for 43 years. The highest corrected reading was
30.345 inches on the 3rd inst., and the lowest, 29-463 inches,
on the 22nd inst., showing an extreme range of pressure of
0.882 inches.

Although the mean of wind force was moderate, there were
very frequent fresh to high winds which developed into gale
force on the 15th, 1 6th, 17th, 20th and 22nd inst. The gales
were from the VV. and SAV. Records show that the prevailing
winds blew from the following directions: — W.14 times, S.W., 10,
N.W. 8, W.S.W. 5.

The mean temperature was 61.1° F, which is 1.9°F below
the mean of last year, and 0.5°F. below the average for 51 years.
The mean maximum temperature was 67.0°F, which is 3.0°
below last year’s mean. The highest shade temperature, 74.0° F,
was recorded on the 5th, and the lowest maximum temperature,
63.0° F, on the 20th, 24th aud 28th inst. The mean minimum
was 56.0° F, which is 2.0° below last year’s mean. The lowest
shade temperature, 49.0° F, was recorded on the 25th inst., and
the highest minimum temperature, 63.0° F, on the 5th inst. The
mean daily range is 11.0°.

The mean temperature (dry bulb), 63-2°F.

The mean humidity of the atmosphere at 9 a.m., 84 per
cent., and at 5 p.m. 79 per cent.

The mean ground temperature, 4 feet deep, is 62.3° F, and
highest ground temperature, 63.0° F, and lowest, 61.1°F.

The mean daily units ultra-violet rays, by the acetone
methylene blue gauge method is 5.60.

SEPTEMBER.

The climatic conditions which prevailed during the month
were generally unsatisfactory, and can be described as cool,
changeable, cloudy, showery, and at times rain in large
amounts. For the first few days the weather was fine and
warm, the first day being one of the best of the month, after the
4th pressure began to fall, and from this date onwards was
irregular, causing a frequency of windy, showery or rainy
weather, with a lower temperature by strong west and north-west
winds. The rainfall was much above the average, the number
of days on which it fell being in excess of the average number ;
although it fell on so many days there were only six days on
which the falls were greater than .24 inches, viz., 14th, 1.05
inches ; 23rd, .87 inches ; 6th, .81 inches ; 21st, .38 inches ; 29th,
.25 inches. The sunshine record was much below the mean
average, and only on two occasions was there a record above 10
hours. The cloud amount was above the mean average.
Pressure was very irregular, due to depressions from the
Atlantic, many V shaped depressions occurring, the deepest
being 1 inch between the 20th and 28th, the lowest point being
reached on the 24th, 29.214 inches, and rising to its highest
point on the 28th, 30.257 inches. Temperatures were generally
speaking much below last year’s means, but the mean tem¬
perature was only 0.7° below the mean of 51 years. The highest
temperature was during the first ten days and a period from the
19th to the 22nd, and rather more equable and lower temperature
from the 12th to the 18th, and lower again and with greater
extremes from the 23rd to the end of the month. There were
frequent strong breezes to high winds, reaching gale force on the
19th from the N.W., and 29th from the S.W.

'the visibility was extremely good generally, fog occurring
on only one occasion, on the 4th.

Humidity, 83 per cent., was above the average.

The mean daily range of temperature was 10. 3°, which is
below the average,

The total sunshine for the month was 128.00 hours, which
is 1 3,30 hours less than last year’s total, and 36.40 hours less
than the mean average of 28 years, The sunniest day was the
7th, with 12. 00 hours, the number of sunless days were six, and
the mean daily amount of cloud 6.2, The total amount of sun¬
shine to date is 1417.40 hours, which is 118.40 hours below the
mean average of 28 years for nine months.

The total rainfall for the month was 4.48 inches, which was
3. 67 inches more than last year, and 2.22 inches above the
average for 51 years. The greatest fall occurred on the 14th
with 1.05 inches. There were 21 days of precipitation. The
total rainfall to date, 26.16 inches, being 4 01 inches above
the average of 51 years to date.

The mean height of atmospheric pressure reduced to mean
sea level was 29.883 inches, which was 0.155 inches lower than
she average of 43 years. The highest corrected reading was
30.257 inches on the 28th, and the lowest, 29.214 inches, on the
24th, giving an extreme range of pressure of 1.043 inches.
Pressure was very irregular during the month, being particularly
turbulent and unsettled between the 15th and 23rd. During
this period fresh to strong winds blew from the S.W., W. and
N,W., and there were gales recorded on the 19 th and 29th. The
main wind currents as recorded at observations were : — W, 11,
N.W. 10, S.W. 10, N.N.W. 7.

The mean temperature was 57.6°F, which is 4.4° lower than
last year’s mean, and 0.7° lower than the mean average for 51
years. The mean maximum temperature, 62.8° F, was 5.2° lower
than last year’s mean. The highest shade temperature, 69.0° F,
was recorded on the 1st and 2nd, and the lowest maximum
temperature, 53 0°F, on the 24th. The mean minimum tem¬
perature, 52.5° F, was 3.5° below last year’s mean. The lowest
shade temperature was 43.0° on the 27th and 28th. The
highest minimum temperature, 59. 0Q, on the 4th, 5th, 9th and
24 th.

The mean daily range of temperature was 10.3°. The mean
temperature of the dry bulb, 58.7°.

Mean humidity of the atmosphere at 9 a.m. 87 per cent ,
and at 5 p.m. 80 per cent.

Mean daily amount of ozone at 9 a.m,, per centage of
possible, 42 per cent.

Mean ground temperature, 4 feet deep, 60.3°. Highest
ground temperature, 6*^.0° Lowest ground temperature, 57.8°.

Mean daily units ultra-violet rays by acetone methylene
blue gauge, 3.75.

OCTOBER.

The weather from the 2nd to the 21st was mainly fine and
dry, but after that date, unsettled, windy and rainy, and
generally mild throughout.

The sunshine and temperature records were above the
average, and the rainfall below, both in respect of the amount,
and the number of days on which it fell.

The first two days were of an unsettled nature, but
improved conditions set in on the 3rd, and under the influence
of an anticyclone from the Atlantic, very fine weather prevailed
to the 9th, with a mean daily of 8-J hours sunshine, although
pressure became lower after this date, fairly fine, dry weather
was maintained to the 19th, with quite small amounts of
sunshine, with the exception of the 15th, which recorded 7.9
hours. During the very fine period wind was from the 1N.E. to
S.E, direction, with an high day temperature and low night
temperature, during the remaining period of dry weather, the
wind seemed to be either N.E. or E. in the morning, and N,W.
or N.N.W. by the evening, giving a rather lower temperature.
The state of pressure from the 3rd to the 13th lay between
30,482 inches on the 6th, to 30.243 inches on the 13th, and a
slightly irregular pressure of about four-tenths lower was
maintained to 21st. On the 22nd pressure dropped f of an inch
to 29.340 inches, which broke the fine spell, and caused
unsettled conditions, heavy rain and high winds to gale force,
the wind during this period being mainly from the S.W., this
unsettled state continued more or less to the end of the month.
Wind blew gale force on the 1st and 2nd, and also on the 26th,
27th, 28th and 29th, but the mean force of the wind for the
month wTas moderate.

Temperature was much higher than the corresponding-
month last year. The mildest period was the first two days and
the 8th and 9th, and from the 25th to the end of the mouth, the
temperatures being exceptionally high both day and night,
with a maximum of 61,0°F to 64.0QF, and a minimum of 54,0°
to 58,0°. The coolest period was from the 11th to the 16th,
with a maximum of 53°F to 60.0°F, and a minimum of 45.0° F
to 47.0° F. The period of greatest extremes was from the 3rd to
the 6th inclusive. The mean daily range of temperature being
10.1°, which is slightly above the average.

The mean daily range of visibility was fairly good. Fog-
being experienced on the 6th, 7th and 8th, being heavy sea mist
in the evening on the 6th, and mornings of the 7th and 8th.

There was light mists mornings and evenings on several
occasions.

The mean relative humidity of the atmosphere was 84 per
cent, which is above the average. The mean daily amount of
ozone at 9 a.m., 47 per cent.

The mean daily units ultra violet rays, by the acetone
methylene blue gauge method, 3.15.

The total sunshine for the month was 120.10 hours, being
11.80 more than last year’s total, and 5.87 hours in advance of
the average month for 28 years. The greatest daily amount was
10.50 hours on the 3rd, there were five sunless days, and the
mean daily amount of cloud 5.8. The total sunshine to date
being 1537.50 hours, which is 112.53 hours below the average of
28 years for 10 months.

The total rainfall was 2.68 inches, being 0.8 inch less than
last year’s total, and 1.23 inches less than the average month for
51 years. The greatest fall was 0.91 inch on the 2lst, and there
were 11 days on which rain fell. The total rainfall to date
is 28.84 inches, being 2.78 inches above the average of 51 years.

The mean pressure of the atmosphere, corrected to sea level,
etc., 30.063 inches, being 0.133 inches above last year’s mean,
and 0.112 inches above the mean average of 43 years. The
highest reading was 30.482 inches on the 6th, and the lowest
29.340 inches on the 22nd, giving an extreme range of pressure
of 1.142 inches. Pressure was high during 11 out of the first 13
days, moderate in the middle period, and irregular from the 22nd
to the end of the month. High wind to gale force during the
first two days, and on the 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th, otherwise
winds were light to moderate. The prevailing winds were
observed to be blowing from the East 9 times, N.E. 7, S.W. 8,
and S.E. 6.

The mean temperature, 54.2°F being 3.29 above last year’s
mean, and 1.7° in advance of the mean average of 51 years. The
mean maximum temperature 59.3° F, which is 3.3° above last
year’s mean. The highest shade temperature was 64.0° F on
the 31st, and the lowest maximum temperature 53.0° F on the
13th and 20th. The mean minimum temperature 49.2° F, was
3.2° above last year’s mean. The lowest shade temperature
being 43.0° F on the 3rd, 6th, 18th and 24th, and the highest
minimum 58.0° F on the 27th. There was no ground frost.
Mean daily range of temperature, 10.1° F.

The mean temperature (dry bulb), 54.8° F, being 2.5° F in
advance of last year’s mean. The mean ground temperature
(4 feet deep), 56.1° F. Highest ground temperature, ,57.6° F
Lowest ground temperature, 55. 0°.

The mean humidity of the atmosphere, 84 per cent., was a
little above the average.

Thunder was heard on one occasion, 21st. Fog occurred on
three occasions, 6th, 7th and 8th, being heavy sea mist of only
short duration, slight mist mornings and evenings on other
occasions. With these exceptions, the range of visibility was
very good.

There were gales recorded on six occasions.

NOVEMBER.

The weather of the month was generally unsettled, showery
and mild. The sunshine and temperature records were above the
average, and the rainfall below, although the number of days on
which it fell were greater. The high temperature at the end of
October continued into the first four days of this month, being the
warmest period of the month, the first 11 days, with the exception
of the third, were showery, and heavier quantities of rain fell from
the 17th to the 21st The variation in atmospheric pressure
throughout the month was very marked, and took the form of a
raggedly made W, high at the beginning, middle, aud end of month,
the first depression was on the 6th, from 30.111 inches to 29.305
inches, and an immediate rise to 30.382 inches by the 13th,
remaining high to the 16th, and again falling to 29.445 inches by
the 21st, then a continuous rise to 30.415 inches on the 25th, and to
its highest point, 30,491 inches on the 26tli, and remaining over
30.250 inches to the end of the month. The wind during the first
depression was mainly from the North and N.N.W. direction, with
a variation to N.E., with shbwers each day, but nevertheless the
period from the 6tli to the 10th, was notable for very good amount
of sunshine, the conditions at the second depression, 17th to the
21st, were very disturbed, being rainy and windy to gale force on
the 20tli and 21st, from the East and E.N.E., other occasions of
high winds were at the beginning and end of month, and on the
29th touched gale force from the N.W. at times, otherwise the wind
was light to moderate, the mean force for the month being light
to moderate.

The temperature was a little above the average. The first four
days recorded a maximum of 63.0°F, and a minimum of 55.0°,
which was the highest temperature for the month, and the lowest
wTa« from the 8th to the 13th with a maximum of 45 0° F, to 48.0°F.,
and a minimum of 33.0° F to 39.0° F, with ground frosts at night. The
14th showed a decided rise in temperature which was more or less
maintained to the end of the month with a maximum of from 50.0°

to 58.0°, and a minimum of 42. 0o to 50. 0o, the night minimum
on the 22nd to 24th was high at 50.0°, on occasions the
temperature was equable and mild. The mean daily range was
9.4°, which is an average.

The range of visibility was remarkably good, there was sea fog
on the 19th and 26th, of only short duration, and on other occasions
slight morning and evening mists.

The mean relative humidity of 85 per cent, is above the
average.

The mean daily amount of ozone at 9 a.m. was 43%.

The mean daily units ultra-violet rays by acetone methylene
blue gauge method, 2.23.

The total amount of sunshine was 83.80 hours which was 8.50
hours more than last year’s total, and 3.59 hours above the average
month for 28 years. The greatest daily amount was 8.10 hours on
the 11th, and the number of sunless days, 10, which is the same
number as last year. The mean daily amount of cloud, 6.4. is
above the average. The total amount of sunshine to date, 1621.30
hours, is 108.94 hours below the average of 28 years for 11. months.

The total rainfall of 3.19 inches, is 6.21 inches less than last
year’s total (which was an abuormal month), and 0.38 inch less than
the average month for 51 years. The greatest fall was on the 18th,
0.53 inch, and the total days of rainfall, 21. The total rainfall to
date is 32.03 inches, which is 2.40 inches in excess of the average of
51 years to date.

The mean height of atmospheric pressure, reduced to sea level,
etc., 29.974 inches, which is 0.036 above the average of 43 years,
the highest corrected reading being 30.491 inches on the 26th, and
the lowest 29.305 inches on the 7th, showing an extreme range of
pressure of 1.186 inches. Pressure was irregular, two very deep
depressions of over an inch occurring. Wind force was not so
turbulent as one would imagine, there were squally and high wind
to gale force on the 20th, 21st and 29th, from the E.N.E , and
N.N.W., but the mean force was light to moderate. Records of
direction of wind at times of observation show that it blew from
N.N.W. 10 times, N. 8, W. 6, S.W. 9, these were the prevailing winds.

The mean temperature, 47.6°F, is 1.1° higher than last year’s
mean, and 0.5° higher than the average of 51 years. The mean
maximum temperature, 52.3°F, is 0.3° higher than last year’s
mean. The highest shade temperature is 61.0°F on the 3rd and
4tli, and the lowest maximum temperature, 45.0° on the 13th. The
mean minimum temperature, 42.9°F, is 1.9° higher than last year’s
mean. The lowest shade temperature, 33.0° on the 11th, and the
highest minimum, 55.0° on the 2nd and 3rd. Number of days of
ground frost (30.5° and below), six. Mean daily range, 9.4°.

The mean daily temperature (dry bulb', 47.2°F.

DECEMBER.

The weather during the whole of the mouth has been extra¬
ordinarily dull, being the dullest December on record, only 29.10
hours of sunshine being recorded. A further record was the wintry
conditions experienced from the night of Christmas day and
throughout Boxing day, when there was a good fall of snow, so
uncommon to this town, the snow laying for a few days. Tem¬
peratures were down to freezing point, but not long enougli to
allow of skating, nevertheless it was uncommonly low for Torquay,
not since February, 1916, has so much snow been experienced.
The weather up to the 19th was practically dry, with only .36 of
rain, pressure was not in the least steady, and on the 14tli rose
quickly to 30.483 inches by the 17th, and on the 19th it began to
deteriorate, heavy rain falling on the 20th, and by the 22nd pressure
had fallen to 28.814 inches, and with it nearly two inches of rain in
the two days, with high wind to gale force from the S.W. ; weather
continued very bad to the 25th with further heavy rainfall, over
four inches having fallen from the 20tli to the 25tli. Temperature
was high during this period. Pressure commenced to improve after
the 25th, and by the 28tli had risen to 30.449 inches, the wind
having changed to N., N.E., and E.N.E., blowing continuously high
and gale force each day, and very cold. There was a marked
change in temperature during Christmas day, which turned the rain
into snowfall, which continued throughout the night, and during
some time on Boxing day, temperature having come down to freez¬
ing point, and remained nearly so to the end of the month.
Temperatures were very variable throughout the month, being low
during the first four days, with a maximum of 40.0° to 45.0°, and a
minimum of 38.0°, between the 5tli and 9th rose to maximum 51.0°
to 53.0°, with minimum 43.0° to 49.0°, becoming variable and
deteriorating by the 16tli to a maximum of 41.0° with minimum
39.0°, and lower stili on the 18th and 19th to maximum 35.0°
with minimum 33.0°. Temperature suddenly rose on the 20th
to a maximum of 51.0° to 54.0° next day, with a minimum from
37.0° to 50.0°, which was maintained to the 24th, and lowered
again on the 25th and 26th to the 30th, with a maximum of
34.0° to 37.0°, with minimum 31.0° to 33.0°. The dry bulb tem¬
peratures being as low as 33.8° on the 26th, 32.6° on the 29th,
and 30.8° on the 30th. The mildest period of the month was from
the 5th to the 9tli, 13th to 15th, and the 20th to 24th. The coldest
period being from the 1st to 4tli, 16th to 19th, 26th to 30th, the latter
period being the coldest. There was slight snow and sleet showers
on the 17th, 18tli and 19th.

The total sunshine was 29.10 hours, which is 24.70 hours less
than last year’s total, and 29.07 hours below the average month for
28 years. The greatest daily amount was 6.80 hours on the 28th,
there were 15 sunless days, compared with 10 last year, the cloud
amount being 8.8 against 7 last year, and the average of 6.3. The
total sunshine to date is 1650.40 hours, which is 138.01 hours less than
the average of 28 years. The previous lowest record of sunshine for
December was in 1912, when 40 hours was recorded.

The total rainfall of 4.54 inches, is 4.16 inches above last year’s
total (which was abnormally low), and 0.33 inches in excess of the
average of 51 years. The greatest fall was 0.93 inches on the 22nd,
and the total days of precipitation 13, which is below the average.
The total rainfall to date is 36.57 inches, which is 2.73 inches above
the average of 51 years to date.

The mean height of atmospheric pressure corrected to sea level,
etc., 29.834 inches, which is 0.116 inches below the average of 43
years. The highest corrected reading was on the 17th, 30.483 inches,
and the lowest, 28.814 inches, on the 22nd, showing an extreme
range of pressure of 1.669 inches. Pressure wTas unsteady through¬
out with an intense depression of 1 669 inches on the 26th, causing
extremely wet and windy weather. There were frequent northerly
and N.E. and easterly wind, strong to gale force, also gales from
the south-west, the succession of gales and high winds was very
pronounced. The records show that the wind was blowing gale
force on 13 occasions. The mean wind force was moderate to fresh.
The records show that at observations the prevailing winds were
from the N. 8, N.E. 9, S.E. 8, E. 9.

The mean temperature of 42.0°F is 0.5o below last year’s mean,
and 2.2o below the average of 51 years. The mean maximum tem¬
perature of 45.3°F is 1.7o below last year’s mean. The highest
shade temperature was 54-0°F on the 21st, and the lowest maximum
temperature, 34 0°F, on the 29th. The mean minimum temperature
of 38.8oF is 0.5o over last year's meau. The lowest shade tem¬
perature being 3l.0o on the 30tli and 31st, and the highest minimum
temperature, 50.0°, on the 23rd. The number of days with minimum
temperature below 32. 0o, four. Number of ground frosts,
30.5° and below, five days.

The mean daily range of temperature, 6.5o, which is below the
average of 8.3°.

The mean temperature of the dry bulb, 41. 6oF., being 1.4° below
the meau of last year.

The mean humidity of the atmosphere, 85 per cent., which is a
little below the average.

Mean ground temperature, 4ft. deep, 47. 2o.

Highest temperature ,, 49.2°.

Lowest temperature ,, 42.0°.

Mean daily amount of ozone 62 per cent.

Mean daily units ulta-violet rays by acetone methylene blue
gauge, .84.

Snow or sleet, seven occasions ; hail shower on 25th ; ground
frost, 19th, 20th, 28th, 30th, 31st ; gales at observations, 26th, 27th,
28th, 29th, and nine times between observation hours.

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE

Taken at 9 a. in. (Local Time). Princess Gardens Observatory.

In inches and thousandths.

Reduced to 32° F. and Sea Level.

1927

M ean
of

Month.

J Ufference
from
Average

43 years.

Highest

Reading.

Date.

Lowest

Reading.

Date.

Extreme
Range of
Pressure.

January ...

29.856

-0.210

30.600

10tli

29.233

1 5th

1.367

February ...

30.059

+ 0.088

30.577

7th

29.186

23rd

1.391

March .

29.745

-0.197

30.431

28.911

25th

1.520

April . .

30.013

4-0.099

30.420

13l.li

29.423

0th

0.997

Mav .

30.055

4-0.079

30.439

nth

29.629

31st

0.810

June .

29.954

-0.079

30.309

iitii

29.562

30th

0.747

July .

29.889

-0.1 16

30.225

■

1 5tli& 1 0t.li

29.467

1st

0.752

August .

29.885

-0.093

30.345

3rd

29.463

22nd

0.882

September .

‘29.883

— 0. 1 55

30.257

28t.li

29.214

21th

1.043

October . . .

30.063

4-0.112

30.482

6th

29.340

22nd

1.142

November ..

29.974

4-0.036

30.491

26th

29.305

7th

1.186

December ..

29.834

-0.116

30.483

17 th

28.814

22nd

1.669

Year

29.934

— 0.552

30.412

29.295

1.117

1926

Means

29.973

-0.167

30.423

29.446

0.977

SHADE TEMPERATURES

Taken at 9 a.m. (Local Time)
At Cary Green Observatory.

1927.

Maximum

mean.

Minimum

mean.

Max. & Min.
mean.

Difference

from

Average

51 years.

Daily

Range

Highest

Maximum

Date.

Lowest

Minimum

Date.

Lowest

Minimum

on Grass

Date

J an . . . .

48.2

39.0

43.6 ;

-0.8

9.2

o ;

55.0

9th ;

29.5

20th

25.0

19th &

20th

Feb. ...

48.1

38.0

43.0

-0.3

10.1

54.7 '

27th

31.0

ii tii

26.0

lltli

March .

52.2

43.1

47.6

+ 3.3

9.1

58.6

18th

36.0

ii tii

30.0

10, 11
& 28th

April . .

55.2

13.2

49.2

+ 1.1

12.0

67.3

21st

36.0

2nd &

29.0

27th

May . . .

62.0

50.0

56.0

+ 2.4

12.0

71.0

7th

42.0

12th &

35.0

14th

1 4th

June...

64.0

51.0

57.0

-1.5

13.0

71.7

1st

45.5

8th

39.0

8th &

9th

July ...

67.6

57.5

62.5

+ 0.7

10.1

75.2

1 0th

52.4

18th

47.6

18 th

Aug. . . .

67.0

56.0

61.1

— 0.5

11.0

74.0

5 th

49.0

25 th

44.0

25th

Sept. . .

62.8

52.5

57.6

-0.7

10.3

69.0

1st and 43.0

27th &

37.0

27, 28

2nd

28th

& 30 th

Oct. ...

59.3

49.2

54.2

+ 1.7

10.1

64.0

3 1 st

43.0

3rd, 6 th

36.0

3rd

18, 24

; • ii

Nov.. . .

52.3

42.9

47.6

+ 0.5

9.4

61.0

3rd and 33.0

11th

24.0

nth

4th

Dec. . ..

'45.3

38.8

42.0

| -2.2

6.5

54.0

21st

131.0

30 th &

28.0

31st

Year

57-0

46.7

51.8

+ 3.7

10.2

75.2

July

1 0th

29.5

Jan.

20th

24.0

Nov.

11th

1926

Means

57.8

47.0

52.4

+ 1.5

10.7

82.0

July

14th

26.5

Jan.
16 th

22.0

Jan.

16 th

SUNSHINE RECORDS. Princess Pier Observatory. Hours

Authenticate by the Meteorological Office, London.

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1 926 1699.47

Means ... 4.65 —90.63 298

Mean Daily Units Ultra-Violet Rays (by Acetone Methylene Blue Gauge)

Jan. Feb. March April May J une July Aug Sept! Oct. Nov. Dec.
not taken not taken not taken 3.45 4.05 4.50 6.00 5.60 3.75 3.15 2.23 0.84

RAINFALL

(In inches)

Records taken at Cary Green Observatory.

1927.

MONTH

Monthly

Totals

Difference

from

Average

month,

51 years

Greatest fall in

24 hours.

Amount and Date

Rainy Days

Number

of days on
which
“ Trace”
only was
recorded

Total

Number
of days
on

which
rain fell

Difference

from

Average

51 years
to date

Days of
0.01 to
0.03 in.

Days of
0.04 and
upwards

Inches

Date

Inches

unary ...
%>

3.9/

+ 0.60

1.37

28th

! 4

—

+ 0.60

sbruary . . .

3.27

+ 0.35

0.67

26th

+ 0.95

iirch .

3.93

+ 1.28

0.75

22nd

—

+ 2.23

)ril .

2.13

-0.10

0.95

6 th

+ 2.13

0.43

-1.50

0.18

3rd

+ 0.63

ne .

1.87

-0.04

0.76

16 th

+ 0.59

ly .

2.52

+ 0.31

0.53

26 th

+ 0.90

igust .

3.56

+ 0.89

0.75

17th

+ 1.79

ptember

4.48

+ 2.22

1.05

14th

+ 4.01

tober . . .

2.68

-1.23

0.91

21st

+ 2.78

•vember

3.19

-0.38

0.53

18 th

—

+ 2.40

cember

4.54

+ 0.33

0.93

22nd

+ 2.73

+tal .

36.57

+ 2.73

148

200

+ 2.73

Hean . . .

3.04

926 ...

31.64

-2.26

•

127

172

-2.26

2.63

HUMIDITY, CLOUD, OZONE, WIND.

From Observations made at the Cary Green, and Princess
Gardens and Pier Observatories.

Humidity.

Cloud

Ozone.

Percentage
of possible.

Wind.

Crass

Temperatures^

MONTH

Dry Bulb
mean.

Air Temp.

9 a.m., 5 p m.
readings

Wet Bulb
mean.

9 a.m.. 5 p.m.
readings

Relative
Humidity mean
per cent
Saturation 100

Cloud mean

0 to 10.

Mean Daily

Amount.

Prevailing

Quarters.

Mean.

Lowest.

[ No. of days
| at or below

C /

/ r\

° /

/ o

J an nary

44.0

42.4

6.3

W. & N.W.

34.2

25.0

February

44.0

42.4

7-6

N.F , S.W. & W.

35.0

26.0

March ...

48.3

45.6

6.4

S.W., W., N.W.

38.0

30.0

April ...

50.9

47.0

5.9

N.W, W. &

N.N.W.

38.5

29.0

May .

57.6

53.9

5.0

S.E, E, N.W.

46.0

35.0

June .

59.4

55.2

/ 5

5.4

N.W. & W.

47.1

39.0

—

July .

63.8

59.5

6.8

S.E, S.E. & W.

54.3

47.6

—

August...

63.2

59.8

6.4

S.W, W, & N.W.

52.7

44.0

—

Sept. ...

58.7

56.0

6.2

S.W, W. & N.W.

48.9

37.0

—

October

54.8

52.5

5.8

E, N.E, S.E,

S.W.

45.4

36.0

—

Nov _

47.3

45.5

6.6

N.N.W, N, W,
& S.W.

37,3

24.0

Dec .

41.6

40.3

8.8

N,N.E, E. & S.E.

36.6

28.0

5 •

Year. . .

52.8

50.0

6.4

57.8

42.8

24.0

Nov.

30 'i

1926

Means

53.7

50.6

6.0

43.7

22.0

Jan.

MONTHLY MEANS FOR SIXTEEN YEARS

1911—26 inclusive.

MONTHS.

Temperature of

Air.

Humidity

per cent.

Hours of Sunshine

Hours & Hund’ths.

Cloud.

Amounts 0 to 10.

Rain.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Mean

daily range.

Mean.

Days

it fell.

Inches.

January .

48.6

39.2

9.4

44.4

57.43

6.6

3.81

February .

49.0

40.0

9.0

44.5

78.30

6.6

3.34

March .

50.5

39.7

10.8

45.1

124.89

5.2

3.94

April .

54.4

42.8

11.6

48.6

184.97

5.0

2.16

May .

60.7

48.3

12.4

54.5

220.66

5.0

1.96

June .

65.7

52.4

13.3

59.0

249.23

4.5

1.32

July .

68.5

56.2

12.3

62.3

226.91

5.5

2.05

August .

67.8

55.2

12.6

61.5

199.55

5.2

2.62

September .

64.5

52.9

11.6

58.7

162.40

5.1

2.41

October .

58.4

48.4

10.0

53.4

115.61

6.0

8.42

Noyember .

52.4

41.7

10.7

47.0

78.22

5.5

3.72

December .

49.4

40.9

8.5

45.1

63.95

6.0

4.73

Year .

5 7.5

46.4

11.1

52.0

1762.12

5.5

168

35.48

OBSERVATIONS OF WIND DIRECTION.

Taken from Princess Pier Observatory (9 a.m. and 5 p.m. G.M.T.)

Total

Numbe

Observati

730

Calm.

—

r-H

—

N.E

r-H

N.E.

—

r*H

—

104

r-H

r *

r— H

■O

s.w.

r-H

• ' *

r-H

S.E.

r-H

»o

CO'

Tf*

r-H

r\^

c 0

1926 . 50 35 83 60 35 55 133

101

OBSERVATIONS OF CLOUD AMOUNTS.

Cloud forms, higher and lower, and the direction they are moving,
are also observed, and is a very important observation. Cloud

amounts are of rapid change.

“ 0 ” indicates clear sky ; and “ 10 ” overcast sky.

1927

MONTH.

1 to 3.

4 to 6.

7 t<> 9.

10.

Number of
Obser¬
vations.

January .

February .

March . .

April .

May .

June . .

July .

August .

September .

October .

November .

1 1

December .

Totals

143

117

134

232

730

1926

127

113

1 45

267

102

WIND FORCES.

Observations taken at Princess Pier Observatory.

Force 8 or more indicates gale, or strong gale ; 4 — 7, moderate
to high wind ; 1 — 3, light to gentle breezes.

1927

MONTH.

Force

8 or

more.

Force

4-7.

Force

1—3.

Calm.

Mean

Daily

Force

Total

N umber
Obser¬
vations.

Prevailing Winds.

January .

—

3.6

W. N.W.&S.W.

February .

3.3

N.,E, W.&S.W.

March .

—

4.3

SAW, W., N.W.

April .

—

4.0

W.,N.W.,N.N.W

May .

3.8

E, S.E., N.W.

W. A N.W.

June .

—

4.2

July .

3.9

S.E, W. & S.W.

August .

4.0

S.W., W., N.W.

September ...

—

' —

3.7

October .

3.8

E., N.E., S.E.

& S.W.

November ...

—

3.1

W..N.N.W., N.

A S.W.

December ...

—

4.6

N., N.E., E.

& S.E.

Totals .

444

270

3.88

730

N.W., W , S.W ,
S.E.

1926 .

396

312

W., N.W., E.

103

OBSERVATION OF FROST, HAIL. SNOW
AND SLEET, THUNDER AND LIGHTNING.
FOG, AND STATE OF VISIBILITY.

(At !) ii. m. and 5 j> m. G.M.’L)

1927

MONTH

Days

Frost.

Hail.

Snow

and

Sleet.

Thunder

and

Light¬

ning.

Fog.

Range

Visibility.

Duration

Fog.

January _

Very good

Short time
SEA FOG

February .

—

Very good

do.

March .

—

Very good
indeed

do.

April .

—

Excellent

May . .

Excellent

J uue

Excellent

Short time

SEA FOG

July .

Excellent

August . .

—

Excellent

Short time

SEA MIST

September ...

—

Excellent

do.

October .

— -

—

— -

Fairly good

do.

November ...

—

Very good

Short time

SEA FOG

December ...

—

Fair

Totals . .

1926 ..

104

METEOROLOGICAL ABSTRACT, 1927.

1026

«2.0°F.

Highest Shade Temperature

26.5°F.

Lowest Shade Temperature

57.8°F.

Mean Maximum Temperature

47-0°F.

Mean Minimum Temperature

52.4°F.

Mean Temperature

10.7°F.

Mean Range of Temperature

31.64 inclies

Total Rainfall ...

1927

75.2°F.

29.5°F.

57.0°F.

46.7cF.

51.8°F.

10.2°F.

36.57 inches

1699.47

298

W., N.W., E.

Hours of Bright Sunshine

Sunny Days

Mean Humidity

(percentage of possible 100)

Mean Ozone

(percentage of possible 100)

1650.40

310

57.8

Prevailing Winds

N.W., W, S.W., S.E.

105

TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF HOURS OF BRIGHT’ SUNSHINE DURING
1927 AT VARIOUS STATIONS, MOSTLY HEALTH RESORTS.

(From the Meteorological Office, Air Ministry Returns).

Town.

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apl.

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Totals

Aberdeen

59 2

68.6

96.9

166.1

104.6

157.2

136.1

161.4

88.4

99.5

61.7

20.1

1219.8

Aberystwyth

38.8

88.2

101.9

147.4

211.8

175.5

124.5

154.8

106.6

116.6

66.5

37.6

1370.2

Arbroath

58.6

77.7

111.4

192.8

143.3

179.2

142.6

168.9

96.6

102.3

65.6

24.9

1363.9

Banff

48.7

87.2

136.1

152.7

119.8

184.2

149.9

165.0

87.1

99.4

49.5

20.5

1300.1

Bath

39.3

43.8

108.8

167.2

196.3

189.3

120.5

157.0

113.5

89.4

49.4

19.4

1293.9

Bexhill

61.2

71.1

142.9

192.0

266.4

209.6

156.2

197.5

119.8

118.6

68.1

38.9

1642.3

Berwick-on -

Tweed

53.2

72.0

123.1

165.1

130.9

184.4

140.9

166.5

107.6

89.3

64.0

12.5

1309.5

Blackpool

33.7

61.0

116.9

156.2

199.6

186 9

149.0

150.9

111.6

110.7

70.3

26.2

1373.0

Bognor

66.6

68.8

160.0

197.3

258.8

213.7

146.5

194 9

125.3

128.4

66.3

43.3

1669.9

Bournemouth . .

68.9

63.8

134.5

181.7

251.2

200.6

129.4

191.9

119.9

129.5

69.6

27.3

1568.3

Bridlington

32.7

66.4

117.7

173.3

172.5

188.9

145.5

146.5

104.1

] 04.9

60 7

26.6

1339.8

Brighton

68.8

73.6

150.8

195.9

264.5

213.4

146.8

194.9

128.9

117.1

66.2

45.3

1666.2

Bude

50.3

92.3

134.8

145.1

195.2

219.2

154.0

204.8

117.2

137.4

49.6

36.9

1536.8

Buxton

18.6

43.5

75.5

131.0

142.1

151.3

112.5

118.7

93.3

73 6

47.1

13.7

1021.2

Carnoustie

54.5

69.6

113.7

180.5

141.1

181.0

140.5

148.9

95.6

97.8

59.1

21.5

1303.8

Cardiff

52.8

54.8

113.9

173.1

224.3

189.3

131.9

173.7

115.8

105.4

60.2

18.9

1414.1

Cheltenham

55.6

56.5

130.5

176.4

186.7

159.7

112.0

156.0

101.9

94.2

58.6

40.6

1328.7

Clacton

54.8

59.7

140.9

198.4

249.1

176.8

158.8

200.2

135.6

118.7

61.6

34.7

1589.3

(Teethorpes

61.0

64.1

140.4

162.9

147.9

191.0

144.5

153.9

97.4

98.3

61.3

28.8

1351.5

Clifton

50.9

52.5

127.6

184.7

192.0

172.9

121.0

157.6

115 8

97.3

53.4

15.2

1340.9

Colwyn Bay

41.1

86.4

94.5

139.8

202.5

166.6

142.2

J39.3

108.1

111.5

43.4

32.3

1307.7

Copdock

48.7

45 9

117.6

170.3

224.3

178.2

140.0

174.5

107.3

102.2

57.7

34.2

1400.9

Cromer

60.5

68.4

136.1

166.2

179.7

169.8

138.6

185.3

114.6

118.9

60.3

42 6

1441.0

Deal

52.5

64.1

117.1

183.0

263.0

180.4

175.2

204.3

113.8

109.1

66.0

41.0

1569.5

Douglas

53.9

64.2

116.0

144.2

243.4

176.4

187.2

175.2

135.1

109.0

85.8

20.4

1517.8

Dover

56.9

63.9

123.6

197.4

260.0

178.9

160.8

] 88.4

122.2

120.1

62.7

49.4

1584.3

Dovercourt

54.7

54.5

143.2

192.4

241.9

189.3

166.7

208.7

92.0

111.8

59.9

36.5

1551.6

Dublin (Phoenix
Park)

62.5

85.3

110.3

151.6

178.8

173.4

153.2

146.9

134.8

102.4

79.7

22.5

1401.4

Eastbourne

63.9

74.4

150.6

206.6

277.4

220.8

160.7

204.0

115.1

114.9

75.4

35.0

1698.8

Exmouth

60.5

62.6

107.7

154.8

206.6

188.5

138.6

161.2

88.1

110.4

69 0

22.9

1370.9

Falmouth

67.2

80.1

135.7

177.4

216.9

210.9

160.0

203.5

117.8

118.6

72.5

38.7

1599.3

Felixstowe

60.1

60.3

137.1

192.4

239.5

1 88 9

158.5

204.3

134.8

117.0

59.0

33.5

1585.4

Folkestone

51.9

67.4

120.9

190.3

263.1

189.8

153.8

J 86.3

121.7

113.0

61.9

47.3

1567.4

Fowey

59.1

77.1

124.2

165.8

196.7

202.8

149.2

174.5

119.5

127.0

70.1

34.8

1500.8

Guernsey

(St. Peter Port)

52.0

95.3

128.1

201.8

268.7

248.9

167.9

239.3

119.0

137.3

61.4

31.3

1751.0

Harrogate

36.1

55.4

89.6

149.5

132 0

166.5

124.7

113.1

103.8

85.3

64.3

27.1

1147.4

Hastings

59.9

71.5

143.7

184.1

257.6

210.3

168.0

202.9

123.0

119.5

70 6

43.1

1654.2

Hoylake

59.5

70.7

121.4

151.3

202.1

193.2

151.2

162.1

122.7

128.0

67.3

26.4

1455.9

Hunstanton

54.6

59.0

145.8

170.6

190.2

183.9

147.4

193.2

107.9

113.5

62.3

47.6

1476.0

Ilkley

22.9

33.5

83.3

141.3

140.1

178.4

117.1

115.3

99.0

71.6

50.3

20.1

1072.9

Ilfracombe

26.0

68.7

126.8

142.4

211.9

195.9

139.9

182.8

85.8

124.0

43.2

22.3

1369.7

Inverness

31.1

94.7

123.5

130.2

140.6

159.7

145.3

146.6

72.5

89.8

55.3

41.2

1230.5

Jersey

(St. Heliers)

54.9

100.9

130.3

189.0

249.8

221.3

141.6

215.0

105.0

147.7

62.7

41.7

1659.9

Keswick

18.5

51.5

64.5

111.6

164.8

140.5

142.7

139.4

980

91.0

42.6

25.9

1091.0

Leamington Spa

45.1

45.0

91.3

136.3

163.2

168.1

104.2

147.3

77.7

74.7

44.2

24.6

1121.7

Littlehampton . .

69.0

70.7

154.2

197.5

261.6

223.9

152.3

192.4

127.7

130.9

66.5

44.7

1691.4

Llandudno

45.7

82.0

103.5

153.2

220.0

186.9

159.9

153.6

123.2

119.8

51.2

32.2

1431.2

HOURS OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE, Etc .—continued.

Town.

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

A pi.

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Totals

London —

City

8.3

26.5

99.1

15L.0

226.0

169 0

132.4

169.6

88.9

65.4

26.1

14.7

1177. (

Greenwich

39.4

35.2

114.1

137.6

202.7

141.3

132.3

188.6

99.7

66.3

28.7

38.1

1224.C

Hampstead

41.9

47.4

110.5

165.3

239.7

176.7

131.8

172.0

102.0

91.4

44.9

16.7

1340/

Richmond

(Kew)

51.2

34.4

117.7

170.4

238.1

161.4

126.7

172.5

93.9

70.2

43.2

29.2

13161

Westminster . .

29 6

26.7

101.3

159 0

227.1

167.5

130.6

168.4

101.9

61.0

28.6

17.3

121 l.C

Lowestoft

64.6

72.4

144.3

171.4

205.7

175.3

167.5

211.5

127.3

119.9

54.7

30.5

1545J

Malvern

58.2

56.3

129.5

176.8

188.9

165.7

122.5

152.1

111.9

95.0

57.1

19.0

1333.(.i

M argate

63.3

67.1

142 8

209 8

282.2

189.6

197.5

209.3

135.3

124.2

63.1

43.7

1727.9

Montrose

71.0

77.5

119.2

187.3

133.0

176.1

143.4

163.6

92.3

89.9

60.5

23.4

13371

Morecambe

38.1

57.8

120.7

157.8

191.6

200.0

155.1

151.8

116.2

109.9

72.3

40.3

1411.6

North Berwick . .

40.5

67.2

106 5

164.6

137.1

200.4

161.9

156.1

103.2

82.2

44.3

10.8

12741

Newquay

51.1

92.8

133.9

164 3

206.2

218.7

149.9

203 6

110.1

126.5

66.0

39.9

1563. (

Oban

18.3

43.8

99.4

133.7

229.0

199 8

150.7

127.8

97.6

82.6

52.6

35.8

1271.11

Paignton

62.9

66.7

125.1

177.5

224.5

234.6

171.0

199.3

122.0

112.2

80.8

24.7

1601.5

Penzance

67.8

81.4

128.6

174.8

191.4

196.1

156.6

214.7

123.4

111.0

66.8

40.3

15521

Plymouth Hoe . .

53.0

80.7

123.2

163 8

220.8

205.3

140.1

183.0

118.0

134.8

66.9

30.0

15191

Portsmouth

66.4

58.0

146.8

189.1

271.7

225.8

142.8

201.5

126.1

122.3

64.5

38.1

1653.1

Ramsgate

58.0

65.2

137.1

203.8

273.7

171.6

178.6

202.1

135.5

121.2

61.7

38.6

1647.1

Rhyl

49.0

80.5

116.2

149.9

227.4

220.4

168.4

160.8

126.0

121.9

60.7

32.2

15131

Ross-on-Wye

56.5

52.5

120.3

173.5

186.8

156.5

121.6

157.8

99.9

77.4

56.5

30.4

1289.1

Rothesay

30.0

41.0

121.6

148.1

220.1

200.8

141.7

145.8

105.3

90.7

57.3

32.8

1335/,

Ryde

56.6

46.2

106.0

166.0

233.7

225.4

151.0

222.5

115 8

112.2

61.8

32.6

1528.8-

St. Andrews

59.6

68.9

121.1

179.0

127.7

194.0

138.5

142.2

93.9

93.8

55.8

15.9

1290/

Sandown

66.0

50.6

161.0

194.8

262.6

238.4

148.1

220.8

131.3

119.5

67.2

29.0

1688/ .

Scarborough

29.4

62.6

104.5

156.3

161.1

194.0

115.7

134.7

104.9

104.8

58.5

19.4

1245/

Scilly

78.2

96.3

168.6

170.2

187.9

197.1

181.1

233.3

145.0

117.1

82.1

56.2

1713/

Skegness

56.8

53.5

127,5

164.0

175.8

191.6

154.8

179.2

106.8

114.5

55.7

35.3

1415/

Southampton

49.4

47.5

127.9

180.0

265.7

197.6

152.9

182.4

123.4

117.2

60.0

33.5

1537/

Southend-on-Sea

59.4

53.5

1366

189.1

270.0

191.7

156.1

199.4

124.0

106.4

56.7

37.3

1580/

Southport

31.1

66.4

119.6

156.1

200.0

■204.2

142.1

154.7

112.7

107.4

65.4

22.7

1382/

Swansea

54.2

51.1

123.7

144.9

209.5

189.9

127.1

176.9

115.5

118.7

62.9

20.9

1395/

Teignmouth

Tenby

63.0

64.0

128.4

178.1

214.8

209.2

168.6

191.1

120.6

118.9

78.7

25.4

1560 i

52.6

58.8

128.1

139.0

207.3

220.2

173.0

196.1

111.0

124.4

67.8

24.7

1503/

TORQUAY

67.8

66.4

140.9

179.6

229.2

236.2

172.4

196.9

128.0

120.1

83.8

29.1

1650/

Totland Bay

65.6

61.1

155.8

197.4

258.9

227.1

124.6

195.1

121.5

124.3

67.6

27 8

1626/

Tunbridge Wells
Valentia

(Cahirciveen)
Vent nor

63.1

59.7

129.7

172.9

261.5

191.2

151.2

176.5

113.6

111.5

51.6

44.7

1527/.

37.5

73.8

117.9

116.7

214.8

161.1

134.3

131.9

114.3

111.8

83.9

39.4

1337/

73.2

64.2

172.5

215.9

270.9

254.4

140.2

212.6

126.9

131.1

76.7

33.0

1771/

Yen tnor Park ..

70.5

64.4

165.3

197.7

257.7

235.4

130.9

197.3

124.6

126.9

70.1

32.3

1672/.

Wallasey

40.5

55.2

102.7

139.1

184.9

167.7

126.2

148.1

107.6

95.5

55.1

6.2

1228/.

Walton-on-Naze

57.2

63.4

152 8

200.0

254 5

190.8

170.6

198.2

140.1

109.4

58.6

32.2

1627/

Weymouth

67.0

62.3

160.0

194.4

260.3

237.4

148.6

209.4

122.7

132.7

71.7

26.2

1692/,.

Woolacombe

26.1

56.4

116.4

131.5

191.2

193.7

136.9

170.5

80.9

116.0

45.3

31.3

1296.1

Worthing

73.0

74.1

153.5

209.2

267.3

226.5

162.1

200.4

126.7

125.9

68.1

44.6

1731/.

Yarmouth

66.0

65.6

140.9

159.8

201.4

172.5

170.3

208.0

129.4

113.5

56.8

29.5

1513/.,

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